Six dogs killed, found in garbage bags near Crete

Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow momentarily became emotional while speaking about the discovery of six dogs found dead in garbage bags in a ditch last month in unincorporated Crete.

"Anyone who could do this to six living things is an incredibly dangerous person," Glasgow said at a press conference Monday morning in Joliet. "I don't want to diminish crimes against people for one second, but this is something out of a really bad movie."

The pitbull-like dogs, all between nine months to a-year-and-a-half old, had bite marks that showed signs of dog fighting and were found by Crete Township highway maintenance officials near Norfolk Avenue and Kings Road on March 3, officials said.

Information on how the dogs were killed wasn’t immediately available.

Jay Bergman, chairman of First Secure Bank, offered a $5,000 reward to be given to any tipster who gives information leading to an arrest and charges.

"If you know something about this terrible crime, provide a tip to the sheriff's department and within several weeks, that person can be $5,000 richer," Bergman said. "More importantly, we'll get this sicko off the street before he harms a person or animal."

The Will County sheriff's office was conducting an active investigation and stressed the importance of making an arrest in the case.

"This was a gruesome and horrifying discovery," said Jeremy Zdzinicki, deputy chief at the sheriff's office. "We need help from the general public to get justice for these animals. They didn't deserve to die this way."

Officials stressed that the gruesome crime acted as a broader public safety issue if left unsolved.

"Research shows that people that engage in this level of animal cruelty often involved with high level illegal activities, including violence against people," said Anna Payton, administrator with the Will County Animal Protection Services. "We cannot keep people or animals in the community safe without your help."

"This is not just an animal cruelty case, this is a public safety issue," Glasgow said in an earlier statement. "There is zero tolerance for this kind of cruelty in Will County — and we will not stop until there is justice."

Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Will County Crime Stoppers by calling 800-323-6734, texting 274367 or visiting crimestoppersofwillcounty.org. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

"These dogs deserve better, our community deserves better," Payton said. "Together, we can have something good come out of this horrific event. If you see something, say something."