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Elgin police seek owner in animal cruelty case

A dog named Liberty will soon be free to move into a new, loving home after being rescued from an abusive owner whom Elgin police are still trying to track down, authorities said.

The Elgin Police Department Animal Control Unit responded to a complaint regarding the abuse of the dog on the 0-100 block of Poplar Creek Drive on March 20 after a witness reported seeing the owner kick the animal while its head was stuck in a door frame.

The owner was identified as Gregory Griffin, 38, who has previous addresses in Elgin and Chicago. He has been charged with one misdemeanor count of cruel treatment to an animal and one misdemeanor count of violation of owner's duties, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Anyone with information on Griffin's whereabouts should call the Elgin Police Department at (847) 289-2700 or call the anonymous crime line at (847) 695-4195.

Animal control officers took the 6-month-old dog to Golf Rose Animal Hospital in Schaumburg. An examination showed that it had fractures in both hind legs that showed signs of improper healing and would require surgery to repair.

On April 2, a Cook County judge ordered the dog be forfeited and receive the appropriate surgery. Dr. Stephen Neihaus from the Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center agreed to volunteer his time and surgical space, reducing the cost of surgery for the dog from about $5,000 to $1,500. An anonymous resident also agreed to donate the remaining $1,500 needed to cover the cost of surgical implants and anesthesia.

The surgery was completed Tuesday, and the dog, named Liberty by animal control officers, will need to recuperate and go through therapy over the next eight weeks before it can be placed for adoption.

Anyone interested in providing a home for the dog should call Golf Rose Animal Hospital at (847) 885-2122.

“The support and generosity of Dr. Neihaus and the anonymous donor has been nothing short of amazing!” Elgin Police Animal Control Officer Matthew Ciesielczyk said in a statement. “Their dedication to this loving animal in need, and willingness to partner with the Elgin Police Department is commendatory.”

Anyone with a complaint or concern about animals within the city are encouraged to call animal control officers at (847) 289-2500.

Gregory Griffin
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