Navy Enlistee Charged With Slamming Small Dog Into Wall
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A U.S. 2nd Class Petty Officer from Rogers Park is facing felony animal cruelty charges, after police say he slammed his girlfriend's small dog into a wall during an argument.
The dog was left unconscious and with broken bones.
Austin P. Walsh, of the 1600 block of West Farwell Avenue, was charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty following the incident that happened about 11:30 p.m. this past Sunday at his home, police said.
Walsh was fighting with his girlfriend, who had been staying with him, when he allegedly grabbed her 4-year-old, 11-pound dachshund and choked it before slamming it against a wall, police said.
The woman was not injured during the incident, police said.
However, the 11-pound dog was unconscious as officers and the woman transported it to the Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center on Clybourn Avenue, police said.
The dog later regained consciousness, "whining and whimpering" during treatment, according to a police source. Unable to pay for the dog's treatment, the woman signed over ownership to a local pet rescue society which will cover veterinary bills for the dog, police said.
Walsh, 26, was ordered held on $70,000 bond and will next appear in court June 20, according to the Cook County Sheriff's office website.
Walsh is a 2nd Class Petty Officer Machinist's Mate stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, near north suburban North Chicago, in a "transient personnel unit," according to Great Lakes spokesman John Sheppard.
Police said Walsh has served two tours in the Persian Gulf.
UPDATE: According to the Cook County State's Attorney's office, the charges against Walsh were reduced. He pleaded guilty in September to a Class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 69 days in jail, which included time served.
He was also fined $370.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
