State files petition to remove second dog from home
pending trial
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Woodridge Chief of Police Brian
Cunningham announced today that bond has been set for a Cook County man accused
of beating a seven-year-old Shih Tzu with a belt sending her to the
veterinarian. Lewiel Irmani, 25 (d.o.b. 8/4/1995) of 52 Churn Road, Matteson,
appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge Joshua Dieden set bond at $20,000
with 10% to apply. The State had asked for a bond of $150,000. Irmani has been charged with one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class 4
Felony.
On September 5, 2020 at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers with the
Woodridge Police Department received a call from the Downers Grove VCA for a
report of an abused seven-year-old Shih Tzu dog named Bella. Upon their
arrival, officers learned that the owner brought Bella to the hospital with her
boyfriend, later identified as Irmani. It is alleged that when Irmani’s
girlfriend arrived home from work on September 5, she found Bella lying
lifeless in the corner and immediately told the defendant to take her and Bella
to the vet. It is alleged that while Irmani was home alone with Bella, she went
to the bathroom on the floor of the home at which time Irmani “whooped her in
the mouth” five times with a belt. Following an exam from the veterinarian, it
was determined that Bella suffered from three rib fractures on the right side
and air pocketing under the skin as well as rib fractures on the left, a
fracture to the left eye socket, a bleeding broken incisor tooth, bruising around the dorsal pelvis and a bleeding
back molar tooth broken in the gum line so that Bella could not close her mouth
and can now only take food or water via a syringe. Bella was treated for her
injuries and both she and the couple’s other dog are secured at Naperville
Animal Control.
“The
fact that someone would strike a defenseless animal is incomprehensible,”
Berlin said. “What is particularly alarming in this case is the allegation that
Mr. Irmani struck Bella numerous times with a belt causing extremely serious
injuries. We take charges of animal cruelty very seriously and anyone accused
of such acts will face serious felony charges. Thanks to the outstanding care
Bella received however, while she still has a way to go, she appears to be on
the road to recovery. I would like to thank the Woodridge Police Department for
their work on this very disturbing case. I would also like to thank Naperville
Animal Control, the Downers Grove VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital for their
assistance and the care they gave to Bella. I would also like to thank
Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyssa Rabulinski and Denis Cahill for their efforts
on this upsetting case.”
“This
complaint of animal cruelty is taken very seriously by the Woodridge Police
Department,” Cunningham said. “I’m pleased that the person allegedly
responsible is being held accountable for his actions. I am also very
proud of our officers’ efforts, especially Officer Begy, and of the care being
provided to help the dog, particularly by VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital
and our partners at Naperville Animal Control. The Woodridge Police
Department also appreciates the collaborative efforts of the DuPage County
State’s Attorney’s Office.
Irmani’s next court appearance is
scheduled for October 5, 2020, for arraignment in front of Judge Alex McGimpsey.
Members
of the public are reminded that this complaint
contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A
defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is
the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond