Chicago Doctor Arrested After Dog Found Starving in Storage Bin, Police Say
What We Know
A cleaning woman found the malnourished Portuguese water dog, named Betty, inside a plastic storage bin placed in a bathtub, according to police reports. The incident happened in March 2024 in the 2200 block of North Lakewood Avenue. The suspect, 38-year-old Anita Damodaran, a practicing pediatric physician, was being evicted at the time of the incident.
Arrest Made
Chicago police issued a warrant for Damodaran on animal cruelty charges. She was later arrested in Florida. In court, advocates said Damodaran claimed the dog belonged to her parents and that she had no idea Betty was inside the bin.
The Investigation
The dog, Betty, was found with impact sores all over, urine burns, her fur was extremely matted, and she was probably surviving on her own feces, said John Garrido, with the Stray Rescue Foundation.
The Aftermath
The good news—Betty is alive and well. “She’s fully recovered, she’s in a new home, she’s living the life she deserves,” Garrido said. Garrido and his wife, founders of the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation, support nearly 200 dogs a year.
What’s Next
A judge denied a detention request for Damodaran. She was ordered to remain in Illinois and observe a 12-hour nightly curfew. Damodaran is due back in court on Friday, Feb. 14.
Conclusion
The case of Betty, the malnourished dog found in a storage bin, serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need for justice for those who commit animal cruelty. The efforts of the Stray Rescue Foundation and other animal advocates are crucial in ensuring that animals like Betty receive the care and protection they deserve.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the dog, Betty?
A: Betty was found malnourished and abused in a storage bin in a bathtub in March 2024.
Q: Who is accused of abusing the dog?
A: Anita Damodaran, a 38-year-old practicing pediatric physician, is accused of animal cruelty.
Q: What happened to Damodaran after the arrest?
A: Damodaran was arrested in Florida and is due back in court on Friday, Feb. 14.
Q: What is the current status of the dog, Betty?
A: Betty is alive and well, and is living in a new home.
