One-year sentence in dog's death

A 21-year-old Streamwood man pled guilty Wednesday to aggravated animal cruelty in the grisly death of his family's pet.

Michael A. Makowski, of the 2000 block of Quarter Hollow Lane in Streamwood, received one year in prison for the death of his family's 20-pound miniature schnauzer. At the time of his arrest, police say Makowski told them he viewed the pet as a "Lamb of God" and that killing the animal would mean his mother, who prosecutors say resides at the Elgin Mental Health Center, would return home.

The issue of Makowski's fitness came up during his March bond hearing. At that time, a judge ordered a psychiatric exam which found Makowski fit to stand trial with medication.

A family member found the dog in Makowski's bed with its throat slit, along with a straight razor covered in blood and fur, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Mike Gerber. Shortly after discovering the dog, the family member found Makowski asleep in his father's room.