A 16-year-old colored boy and his 24-year-old slightly retarded colored brother were charged with several counts of animal cruelty stemming from an investigation that began when a decapitated puppy was found in the Austin neighborhood, officials said today.The boy, whose name was not being released because he is a juvenile, was charged with a felony count of animal torture after a decapitated 7-month-old German shepherd was found on Aug. 29, police said.
The decapitated dog was found in an alley on the 5400 block of West Gladys Avenue, police said.
As police investigated that incident they returned to the area and the boy's brother was charged with several misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, according to police and prosecutors.
The older brother, Derrick Hargrett, 24, of the 5400 block of West Van Buren Street, was arrested on Sept. 2 when police conducted a follow-up investigation, police said.
At the home, police found four dogs that showed signs of abuse, according to court records. Police found a brown mixed dog with burned fur and skin on its rear torso. In the basement of the home the stairs were covered with feces and urine.
In the basement police also found a malnourished black dog which had its ribs exposed, and two pit bull mixed breeds without any food or water.
In a court appearance today, Hargrett was given a $10,000 bail on the new charges and ordered held on an outstanding Kane County warrant for a 2009 theft conviction.
