Prosecutors charged a man with felony animal cruelty after a passerby allegedly saw him spraying a puppy with Lysol inside a car on the Near North Side. The dog survived but may need surgery.
The witness was walking on the 200 block of West Walton when they saw Amir Ahmed, 47, spraying a six-month-old black Lab mix with Lysol inside a car around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, prosecutors said. They called 911 and told police they heard the puppy yelping and shaking and saw Ahmed throw the dog, according to prosecutors.
Arriving officers noticed the “overwhelming odor of bleach” coming from the vehicle, prosecutors said. The puppy was wet and squinted as it struggled to keep its eyes open, according to the allegations.
Police took the dog to a veterinarian who said it suffered corneal burns, possible burns to its body, and fur discoloration that ranged from black to brown, prosecutors said. The vet said the dog might need surgery to repair its corneas and prescribed medication for its eyes and pain management.
Prosecutors said Ahmed told police he sprayed the dog with bleach to clean it.
Assistant Public Defender Suzin Farber said Ahmed is married but currently lives away from his family. She said he was homeless.
Judge Charles Beach noted that the police report indicated Ahmed owned the dog and set bail at $75,000. He ordered Ahmed to stay away from animals if he posts the 10% deposit necessary to get out of jail.
Ahmed is due back in court on November 12.