Glendale Heights man who stabbed pet bird to death gets 90 days in jail

ILLINOIS -- A Glendale Heights man who stabbed his pet bird to death during a domestic dispute was sentenced to 90 days in jail by a DuPage County judge on Monday.

David Hritz, 40, also was ordered to two years of probation following his conviction on charges of aggravated animal cruelty and domestic battery.

Hritz was arrested on Aug. 25, 2012, when he became involved in a domestic dispute with his roommate. Police said Hritz struck the woman with his fists. During the fight, Hritz flung his pet cockatiel against the wall of his residence and then stabbed the bird with a knife, according to prosecutors.

“Mr. Hrtiz’s anger got the best of him,” State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “Because Mr. Hrtiz could not control his anger, he must spend the next 90 days behind bars.”

Judge Robert Kleeman told Hritz that he was not allowed to own a pet during the term of probation. He must also submit to counseling as deemed necessary.

(Chicago Tribune - Sept 30, 2013)