58-year-old Kerrie Swick of Joliet was arrested and transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility for Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
On July 2, 2025, the Joliet Police Department was notified by Joliet Township Animal Control reference possible animal cruelty at a residence in the 500 block of Springwood Drive. It was learned that Swick had contacted Joliet Township Animal Control at approximately 9:30 a.m. that morning requesting assistance in moving her 14-year-old Labrador retriever named “Bear” from the backyard to a vehicle so that the dog could be transported to a vet for an evaluation. A Joliet Township Animal Control representative responded to the residence and located the dog in the back yard without proper shelter, food, or water. It was learned that the dog had been outside since approximately 8:00 p.m. the prior evening. The dog appeared to be in grave condition and was transported to a veterinary center in Plainfield who determined that the dog had an internal temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit and had suffered from heat stroke. The dog was humanely euthanized due to its poor medical condition.
This case was reviewed by the Will County State’s Attorney Office, who approved a felony charge of Aggravated Animal Cruelty. Swick was placed into custody by Officers at her residence that afternoon at 2:39 p.m…