St. Charles man charged after injuries to puppy

A 24-year-old St. Charles man has been charged with animal cruelty after his girlfriend's 18-week-old dog suffered injuries while under his care, authorities said.

Jace A. Pfleeger was charged March 17 in Kane County court with misdemeanor cruelty to animals, St. Charles Deputy Police Chief Dave Kintz said. The charge was upgraded from a city ordinance violation originally lodged against Pfleeger when his girlfriend took her injured Shiba Inu to the vet Dec. 19, Kintz said.

The dog had suffered two broken bones in its right leg, along with some teeth knocked loose and injuries to its head, eye and mouth, Kintz said. Pfleeger told his girlfriend the dog got hurt when it fell down the stairs Dec. 18, but the veterinarian's assessment indicated otherwise.

"We don't know what exactly happened but he was the only person with the animal and obviously the injuries are not consistent with the story that was presented and are more a sign of abuse," Kintz said.

Pfleeger posted 10 percent of his $15,000 bond Friday and his next court date is May 26.