State’s Attorney Glasgow files animal cruelty charges against Channahon man accused of stabbing dog to death

September 10

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Wednesday that his office has filed animal cruelty charges against a Channahon man accused of stabbing and killing his dog with a kitchen knife.

Robert G. Attebery, 38, of 24511 S. Valley Drive, Channahon, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruel treatment of animals and one count of misdemeanor cruel treatment of animals. The felony charges carry a maximum penalty of up to three years in prison upon conviction.

Channahon police discovered the dog, a tan pit bull, while responding to a call at Attebery’s house Monday evening. Channahon police transported the dog, which was still alive but had suffered multiple stab wounds, to a local veterinarian for treatment. The dog died from its injuries later that evening.

“Allegations of animal cruelty are a matter of grave concern in my office,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “I have always recognized that there is a link between the way someone treats an animal and the way in which that person treats fellow human beings. I want to commend the Channahon Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation that led to the felony charges in this case.” 

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Channahon Police Department on Wednesday obtained a warrant for Attebery’s arrest. Associate Judge Robert Livas, who signed the warrant, set bail at $100,000. Attebery must post 10 percent or $10,000 to secure his release while awaiting trial.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.