A Matteson, Illinois, man will go to jail after confessing to beating a dog with a belt.
27-year-old Irmani Lewiel pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office said. Lewiel will serve an 18-month sentence.
Prosecutors allege nearly two months ago Lewiel beat him and his girlfriend’s 7-year-old shih tzu, Bella. The dog was discovered beaten by a Downers Grove animal hospital, who then alerted Woodridge police.
Police’s investigation found that Lewiel, home alone with the dog, “whooped her in the mouth” five times with a belt after the dog had an accident inside the house. Prosecutors said when Lewiel’s girlfriend came home from work she found Bella lying motionless in the corner. It was then that she told Lewiel to rush the dog to the vet.
The exam revealed Bella had suffered multiple rib fractures, fractures to both eye sockets, broken teeth, and extensive bruising to her pelvis.
Bella has since recovered from her injuries, authorities said. She and the couple’s other dog were taken out of the couple’s home and adopted by another family.
“In DuPage County, animal cruelty is taken very seriously.” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “What I find particularly alarming in this case is the amount of pain and suffering Mr. Lewiel inflicted upon a small, defenseless dog. Thankfully, Bella has recovered from her injuries and is living comfortably with a loving, caring family.”
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