- Illinois, USA -
On Thursday, February 6, a 10-year-old Maltese mix named Charlie was dropped at the Madison Police Department in critical condition.
The Department contacted Pound Pets Inc., an animal rescue organization located in Granite City, to get Charlie urgent treatment as he was covered with burns.
Thanks to immediate action by Pound Pets Inc., Charlie was taken to Veterinary Specialty Services in Manchester, Missouri for immediate medical attention.
In connection with this case, on Tuesday, February 11, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons filed charges against 45-year-old RODNEY W. JOHNSON (pictured below), for spraying a toxic chemical on a dog causing chemical burns and skin destruction.
JOHNSON has been charged with one count of animal torture, a Class 3 felony and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony.
JOHNSON is not the one who took Charlie to the police. Reportedly, a friend took the pup to the police a few days after Charlie sustained the atrocious injuries.
Charlie has serious injuries to his face and body and vets initially feared that he would not survive.
Madison city Detective Kyle Graham said: "It completely ate away at the dog's skin.” He added: "This is an ongoing investigation, but I will say it was done out of anger."
The investigation has revealed that Charlie is not JOHNSON’s.
Thankfully, surgeons were able to close a wound on one of his legs and Charlie is now showing signs of encouraging improvement.
Pound Pets Inc. Rescue reports that Charlie's wounds are healing nicely.
He has been put on oral pain meds and antibiotics.
JOHNSON is being held on $40,000 bail set by Associate Judge Janet Heflin.
Pictures via Pound Pets Inc. Rescue