Crete Township Kills Six Dogs, $25,000 Reward Offered
Will County officials and local businesses raised the bounty to a record high after pit bull-type dogs were found stuffed in bags near Norfolk Avenue.
By Marco Alvarez ·
A $25,000 reward has been offered for information identifying the person who killed six dogs in Crete Township. The sum represents the largest amount ever pledged in an animal abuse case in the region. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow stated that the case requires a resolution to ensure the perpetrator is not left to harm others.
In March, township workers found the six animals stuffed in trash bags along a wooded ditch near the intersection of Norfolk Avenue and Kings Road. Investigators described the dogs as pit bull-type breeds that showed signs of dog fighting. Glasgow noted that the animals were mistreated while alive and treated poorly after death, describing the scene as a place where the victims were discarded like trash.
The funding for the reward comes from two local entities. Jay Bergman, chairman and president of First Secure Bank Group, initially contributed $5,000. Peter Cangelosi, founder and CEO of Pets and Vets USA, added $20,000 to the pool. Bergman said he hopes the incentive will help remove the suspect from the streets, while Cangelosi described the dogs’ torture as inhumane.
Cangelosi has rescued and trained pit bulls for veterans since 2013. He said he has spent up to seven years rehabilitating dogs damaged by abuse. David Silverman, chairman of Crimestoppers of Will County, said the group is speaking for animals that cannot speak for themselves. Silverman believes the increased amount will motivate witnesses to come forward.
The State’s Attorney’s Office and Crimestoppers of Will County are seeking new leads in a case that has shaken the local community. Glasgow emphasized that the case is more than a standard animal abuse matter. He said the depraved nature of the acts demands a thorough investigation. The offices hope the record reward will generate the phone calls and texts needed to solve the crime.
Residents with information are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers of Will County. The organization accepts calls at 800-323-6734, texts, or website submissions. Silverman noted that all communications through Crimestoppers remain confidential. The reward pool stands at $25,000 for information leading to the identification of the person responsible for the deaths.
