Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Police removed three pit bulls and a puppy from a Park Forest home last week after they were called to a residence in response to a report of a man striking dogs with a shovel. According to police, conditions inside the home were "inadequate," and included a garage floor "covered with feces and urine."
Community Service Officer Jachymiak was dispatched to the 100 block of Blackhawk Drive on February 20 at 8:41 AM to conduct a well-being check of three pit bulls dogs. A witness reported observing a man strike one of the dogs with a shovel while the dog was on the ground. The witness reported seeing the dog get up and move slowly toward the garage, according to police.
When CSO Jachymiak and Officer Kessler spoke with the owner of the dogs, he related that he woke up that morning to the sound of his dogs fighting in the garage. He told police that when he went to check on his dogs, he found them fighting with each other. He stated that he could not separate the dogs as they were attacking each other, so he took a shovel in an attempt to separate them by hitting the ground to scare them. He then took the animals back into the garage.
The owner consented to let the officers enter the garage to conduct a well-being check of the animals. Before entering the garage, CSO Jachymiak observed blood trails in the snow outside the garage where the dogfight took place. Upon entering the garage, Jachymiak reported detecting a "foul stench of urine and feces." According to police, the dogs were discovered in different corners of the garage with bite wounds to their faces and legs. According to police, the living conditions for the animals were inadequate and that the floor was covered with feces and urine. Straw and hay were in the corners as bedding. Police observed what they say was an overwhelming smell of ammonia and urine.
Due to the living conditions officers observed, the owner was advised that the animals were to be confiscated at this time including a puppy which was located inside the residence. The animals were transported to Forest South Animal Hospital for further medical evaluation on the extent of their wounds. The resident was advised that if the tests of the animals came back negative for abuse, he would be allowed to have the puppy back. The resident advised that he did not want two fighting dogs anymore, and signed papers relinquishing them.
Police say criminal charges will be determined upon the outcome of the dogs medical examination.
Related: Park Forest Police Reports for February 22, 2010
