A Chicago paediatrician, Dr Anita Damodaran, has been ordered to stay in Illinois and adhere to a strict 12-hour nightly curfew after being accused of animal cruelty. The 38-year-old doctor appeared in court following allegations that she had severely neglected her dog, Betty, a Portuguese water dog found malnourished and barely breathing in March 2024.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, a cleaner discovered Betty inside a plastic storage bin in a bathtub while cleaning Damodaran’s apartment. The doctor was being evicted, and the landlord had hired professionals to clear the residence when the shocking discovery was made.
One of the rescuers who found Betty described the moment as terrifying and heartbreaking. They initially believed they had stumbled upon a box of stuffed animals until they saw a small paw emerge from the bin. When the lid fully opened, they were met with the sight of a frail and matted dog, barely clinging to life. The rescuers noted that Betty’s eyes were expressionless, and it took them several moments to grasp the gravity of the situation fully.
Authorities confirmed that Damodaran had been arrested in Florida on animal cruelty charges in December. The arrest came after the Chicago Police Department issued a warrant, leading to her extradition back to Illinois. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shared images of Betty at the time she was found, highlighting her frail condition, as well as a more recent photo showing her recovery.
John Garrido of the Stray Rescue Foundation told Fox 32 Chicago that Betty had endured immense suffering. The dog had impact sores and urine burns and was covered in severely matted fur. She was likely surviving on her faeces before being rescued. Garrido also provided an update, stating that Betty had fully recovered and was now in a loving home where she was receiving the care she deserved.
On Jan. 21, the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation posted pictures on Facebook showing Betty’s transformation from a neglected and injured dog to a healthy and happy pet. The post also included information about Damodaran’s upcoming court appearance at the Skokie Courthouse on Jan. 24, 2025.
Fox 32 Chicago reported that during the court proceedings, Damodaran attempted to shift blame, claiming that Betty belonged to her parents and that she had no knowledge of the dog being trapped inside the storage bin. However, animal rights advocates were present in large numbers, with at least 20 individuals attending the hearing to ensure justice for Betty.
Garrido emphasized the severity of the case, stating that such cruelty should never be overlooked. He urged the court to hold the responsible party accountable, ensuring that similar cases do not go unpunished in the future.
Damodaran is scheduled to appear in court again on Feb. 14, where further legal actions will be determined.
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Benjamin Ford is a dedicated local journalist passionate about reporting on community news, events, politics, crime, and finance. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering impactful stories, he provides in-depth analysis and timely updates on issues that matter to the local audience. Benjamin enjoys engaging with the community and staying informed on emerging trends when he’s not covering the latest developments.
