Pediatrician Arrested After Dog Found Nearly Dead in Storage Bin
A Chicago doctor is under fire after workers cleaning her apartment found a starving dog struggling to breathe inside a plastic storage bin. The disturbing case has drawn public outrage and put the doctor at the center of an animal cruelty investigation.
Dog Found Barely Alive During Apartment Cleanup
In March 2024, workers cleaning out an apartment in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood made a shocking discovery. The apartment's former resident, 38-year-old pediatrician Anita Damodaran, had been evicted, and her landlord had hired a cleaning crew to clear out the space. Inside the bathroom, they found two large crates stacked on top of a plastic storage bin placed in a bathtub. When one of the workers saw a paw pushing against the lid, they initially thought it was a stuffed animal. Then, the lid popped open, revealing Betty — a Portuguese water dog in critical condition.
"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, according to Fox 32 Chicago.
Betty was severely underweight, weighing only 19 pounds, less than half of her healthy weight. She had compression wounds and signs of prolonged starvation. According to the Hinsdale Humane Society, she only survived because of a small hole in the lid that allowed her to breathe.
Animal Abuse or Terrible Oversight?
Damodaran was arrested in Florida months later on an animal cruelty warrant, and has reportedly denied responsibility. In court, she claimed that Betty belonged to her parents and that she was unaware the dog was inside the bin, according to PEOPLE.
However, prosecutors revealed that the cleaning crew had been explicitly told to avoid three plastic bins at the apartment, CWB Chicago reports, raising questions about whether Damodaran intentionally concealed the animal.
Animal advocates have strongly condemned the act, demanding accountability. "That is such a horrific act of cruelty, it can't be forgotten," Garrido told Fox 32 Chicago.
Animal Advocates Push for Justice
During her first court appearance, prosecutors detailed the conditions in which Betty was found and pushed for Damodaran to remain in custody while awaiting trial. However, a Cook County judge rejected the prosecution's request, instead ordering her to remain in Illinois and adhere to a strict 12-hour nightly curfew, Fox 32 Chicago reports.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with animal advocates appearing at court hearings to demand justice. Following her initial court appearance on Feb. 14, Damodaran was ordered to have no contact with animals, continue therapy, and follow a home confinement curfew as part of her pretrial release conditions.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2025, where further proceedings will determine the next steps in her case.
Where Is Betty Now?
While the legal case continues, Betty's story has taken a positive turn. Thanks to donations from the community, over $18,000 was raised to cover her medical expenses. After months of rehabilitation, she has fully recovered and found a new home.
"She's living the life she deserves," Garrido said, according to Fox 32 Chicago.
The Hinsdale Humane Society, which helped nurse Betty back to health, echoed this sentiment: "Betty has been resilient and is a survivor. Betty deserves better, and from now on, she will be treated like she should have been her entire life — with love and compassion."
As Damodaran awaits trial, animal rights advocates continue to push for stricter penalties for cruelty cases like Betty's. For now, the once-neglected dog is finally receiving the care and love she was once denied.
References: Children's Doctor Appears in Court After Dog Was Found Inside Storage Bin with 'Impact Sores' and 'Urine Burns' | Chicago doctor arrested after dog found starving in storage bin, police say | Physician kept badly neglected dog inside crate at her Lincoln Park home, prosecutors say | A Better Life for Betty | Judge bans Chicago doctor from having any contact with animals following dog abuse case | A Better Life for Betty
