Chicago: A 38-year-old pediatrician, Anita Damodaran, appeared in court after her dog was found starving inside a plastic storage bin in her apartment’s bathtub.
The case, which began in Florida and led to her extradition to Illinois, has sparked outrage among animal rights activists demanding justice for the abused pet.
Key Facts:
- Anita Damodaran was arrested in Florida in December 2024 on charges of animal cruelty and later extradited to Illinois.
- Her dog, Betty, was found malnourished and barely alive in a plastic bin inside a Chicago apartment in March 2024.
- Animal advocates attended court hearings, pushing for stricter legal consequences as Betty recovers in a new home.
The horrifying discovery happened when Damodaran was being evicted from her Chicago apartment.
A cleaning crew hired by the landlord stumbled upon the storage bin in the bathtub.
Inside, they found Betty—a Portuguese water dog—emaciated, covered in sores, and barely breathing.
According to reports, she may have survived by eating her own waste.
Authorities launched an investigation that led to Damodaran’s arrest months later in Florida, where she was taken into custody before being extradited back to Illinois to face charges.
The case has ignited outrage from animal rights activists.
At Damodaran’s first court appearance, over a dozen advocates gathered, holding signs demanding accountability.
Some, including members of the Stray Rescue Foundation, called for stronger penalties for animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, Damodaran has been released under strict conditions—she must stay in Illinois and abide by a 12-hour nightly curfew. She is due back in court on February 14, 2025.
Despite the trauma, Betty has made a full recovery. Now in a loving home, she is thriving under new care.
Advocates argue that cases like this highlight the need for tougher animal welfare laws and better enforcement of existing protections.
The legal proceedings against Damodaran could set a precedent for future animal abuse cases in Illinois and beyond.
“She had impact sores all over, urine burns, her fur was extremely matted, and she was probably surviving on her own feces,” said John Garrido of the Stray Rescue Foundation. “She’s fully recovered now—living the life she deserves.”
With Damodaran’s next court date approaching, animal rights groups continue to push for stronger legal consequences.
They hope this case will bring awareness to the importance of pet welfare and stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws.
Do You Know?
In Illinois, aggravated cruelty to animals is a felony offense, punishable by up to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
However, many animal rights advocates argue that penalties remain too lenient compared to the severity of the crimes. (Source: Illinois General Assembly - 510 ILCS 70/3.02)
Key Terms:
Extradition: The process of transferring a suspect from one jurisdiction to another for legal proceedings.
Aggravated Cruelty: A severe form of animal abuse that involves intentional harm, leading to extreme suffering or death.
Portuguese Water Dog: A breed known for its intelligence and friendly nature, often used as service or therapy dogs.
Emaciation: A condition where an animal or person is dangerously underweight due to prolonged starvation or neglect.