A Bloomingdale man, Sandeep Dhillon, is currently being held without bond after allegedly killing his son’s emotional support dog while on felony pretrial release. The incident occurred on August 17, when Dhillon’s children discovered Ace, a four-year-old mixed-breed pit bull registered as an emotional support animal, in the garage bleeding and swollen, with a leash knotted around his neck. The children found Ace’s cage empty except for his broken collar, prompting them to notify their mother, who then contacted the authorities.
Prosecutors revealed that blood was visible around Ace’s mouth and nose, with the left side of his face appearing swollen. Additionally, officers discovered what appeared to be blood on various surfaces around the house, including a sliding glass door railing, a door jamb, and a trail leading from the kitchen to the garage. A wooden table leg with dog hair and staining, as well as a bloodied pillowcase, were also found in the garage.
A necropsy conducted by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine confirmed that Ace had suffered injuries consistent with blunt force trauma and blood loss that led to his death. Subsequently, Hanover Park police arrested Dhillon on Monday to face charges related to the incident.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin strongly condemned Dhillon’s alleged actions, stating that the accusations were “unconscionable” and would be met with the full force of the law. It was also revealed that Dhillon was already on pretrial release for charges of domestic battery, aggravated battery to a peace officer, and assault in DuPage County at the time of his arrest in this case.
The heinous act of killing an emotional support animal has shocked the community, and Dhillon’s actions have sparked outrage and disbelief. As the case progresses, justice will be sought for Ace, the innocent victim of this senseless crime.
