LINCOLN PARK — A 6-year-old pitbull mix whose owner was seen on video punching and throwing him in Lincoln Park was euthanized over the weekend, though the reasons for putting down the dog were not immediately clear, according to a source.
Zeus was euthanized due to his “state of distress” when he was brought to MedVet Chicago, 3305 N. California Ave., the source said.
The attack occurred Sept. 22 in the 1900 block of North Maud Avenue. Surveillance showed a man repeatedly punching a dog and hurling it across the street by its neck, prompting outraged neighbors to try to track down the owner and rescue the dog.
Jose Orlando Cartegna, 28, of Hammond, Indiana, was arrested Sunday in the same block as MedVet Chicago. Cartegna is charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals, police said.
A witness who had brought his own dog to MedVet that day saw a man being arrested at the clinic. The witness told Block Club the man told police he’d brought his dog in to be euthanized.
The dog had already been euthanized by the time of Cartegna’s arrest, the source said.
It was determined the dog had cancer, the source told Block Club. Zeus weighed 34 pounds and also had “other bodily injuries.” A necropsy will be done to examine the extent of the dog’s illness and injuries, the source said.
Animal advocacy nonprofit Safe Humane Chicago is paying for Zeus’ necropsy, the source said. If authorities determine the abuse led to the dog’s death, it could lead to a possible felony charge, the source said.
Cartegna is due in court Nov. 30.
Safe Humane Chicago and Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation will post updates about court dates and opportunities for people to come to the proceedings, the source said.
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