Joliet, IL – A man has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after allegedly punching a goldendoodle, resulting in the dog’s fractured skull.
According to Joliet police, 52-year-old Erik Struven was arrested on May 31, 2024, following a disturbance call at a residence on the 7700 block of Mossheather Drive. Officers were informed by the dog’s owner, an adult female, that she had left her 7-month-old goldendoodle in Struven’s care the previous evening. Upon her return, she learned that Struven had allegedly struck the dog multiple times with a closed fist.
The dog was taken to a veterinarian, who confirmed the animal sustained a fractured skull. Struven reportedly admitted to his niece that he had struck the dog. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Kendall County Jail. According to the police, the incident occurred just before 4:10 p.m. The female owner of the dog contacted authorities after discovering the injury.
The veterinarian’s examination revealed the extent of the dog’s injuries, prompting the charges against Struven. Struven has been processed and is awaiting further legal proceedings.
