Elgin man accused of animal torture

An Elgin man is accused of beating and burning a dog so severely last month that it had to be euthanized.

In a Friday news release, the Kane County state's attorney's office announced felony animal torture and cruelty charges against 27-year-old Gonzalo Villagomez, of the 200 block of Villa Street.

Prosecutors allege that on July 9-10, Villagomez inflicted extensive injuries to a 2-year-old female Rottweiler mix that was in his care for about a day. The dog was in good health at the time her owner left Villagomez with it, according to the news release, but when the owner returned home, the dog wasn't moving and had blood coming from her mouth and ears.

Elgin police took the dog to an animal clinic, where veterinarians euthanized her to prevent further suffering, the news release said.

Authorities said a necropsy revealed the dog suffered injuries to its abdomen, throat and head, had a lacerated liver and fluid in its lungs consistent with blunt-force trauma, and had burns over 25% of its body.

Judge Michael Noland set bail Friday at $200,000, meaning Villagomez must post $20,000 to be released pending trial.

Villagomez's next court appearance is scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Kane County Judicial Center.