CHICAGO — A heartbreaking case we told you about in 2021 recently reached a much more positive conclusion.
Back then, prosecutors charged Amir Ahmed with animal cruelty after a passerby saw him spraying a puppy with Lysol inside a car on the Near North Side.
Today, the dog is living it up with a new family, and Ahmed, 49, is better, too, thanks to a treatment plan and his own supportive family.
When Chicago police responded to the passerby’s 911 call in the 200 block of West Walton in November 2021, the 6-month-old Lab mix was wet and squinting. Cops noticed the “overwhelming odor of bleach” coming from Ahmed’s vehicle, prosecutors said.
He told police he sprayed the dog, which he claimed was his, with bleach to clean it. The puppy’s fur was discolored, and vets said he suffered eye injuries and had discolored fur.
Ahmed remained in the Cook County jail from the day after his arrest until about three weeks ago, when he pleaded guilty to one count of animal torture.
Judge Lauren Edidin sentenced him to two years, which was satisfied by the time he spent in jail and good behavior credits. She also sentenced him to two years of mental health probation.
The Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation took the puppy under its wing and closely monitored Ahmed’s court case. In a Facebook post this month, the group said they were pleased with the outcome.
“We believe people who harm animals need to be held accountable. We also understand it’s not one size fits all. There are a variety of ways to seek justice and sometimes, sometimes help the abuser change. This is one of those cases,” the post read.
“The dog is now named Goose … [He] has been living the life he deserves with an amazing family. He has several animal siblings and an amazing mom and dad who are happy to have him as a member of the family.”
The foundation’s court advocates said Ahmed is much better these days, too: “He has been under Psychiatric care and is now on medication. What a big difference medication made!”
“When he committed this offense, he was going thru a divorce, lost his job and was living in his car and not on any medication. He will now be living with his family and they will help him to move forward in life,” the post continued.
“We do hope that Ahmed follows his mental health treatment plan and continues to get better.”
The foundation will continue to monitor the case during Ahmed’s probationary period.