ILLINOIS -- A Jacksonville woman was arrested this morning for aggravated animal cruelty after her dog was found dead in the backyard of her residence last week.
Police were called to the home of 38-year-old Tamara Tedrow last Sunday to investigate a complaint that the dog didn’t appear to have any food or water. The Morgan County Animal warden went to the home with police and found a dead dog that was lying in a cage still attached to a chain.
Jacksonville Deputy Police Chief Tim Shea says the dog appeared malnourished when authorities found it.
“Animal control contacted a local veterinarian to help determine the cause of death of the dog," says Shea. "We recently got those results back and in the doctor's opinion the dog died as a result of starvation and lack of care."
Shea says the arrest proves neglecting a pet can land people in jail.
“Animals and pets are a big responsibility and people have to remember that," says Shea. "Just can't chain them up in the backyard and expect them to take care of themselves. You actually must take care of them. It's the right thing to do and it's the law."
Tedrow remains in custody this afternoon.
