Man indicted for animal torture after ‘Rocky’ the dog found abandoned at North Side park

CHICAGO — A Chicago man was charged with animal torture and cruelty last month related to the alleged abuse of a dog found abandoned at a lakeside park last summer.

Benjamin Wilkins, 29, is facing felony charges of animal torture and aggravated cruelty to animals after he was arrested on a warrant April 10.

On the morning of June 10 last summer, Brianne Coleman was walking her dog Zeus at their favorite spot — Berger Park.

While they were wrapping up, Zeus noticed something by the rocks and went over to check it out.

Coleman and Zeus looked down and found an adorable dog in distress curled up between the rocks.

The dog, later named “Rocky” for his unfortunate dumping spot, was suffering from several broken bones and Coleman thought he was initially paralyzed.

Two different veterinarians said Rocky had been a victim of a “long pattern of abuse” due to broken knees and ribs that healed. They also believe he was dragged at some point and was malnourished.

“He is an absolute lover boy who likes to give kisses and feel touch,” Coleman told WGN News last year. “He likes when he has paws on top of your hands. He’s so gentle and sweet and didn’t even cry.”

North Side resident Richard Heath saw Coleman’s post trying to find his owners on Facebook that day and offered to help.

“I saw the post and I saw the picture of him,” Heath said last year. “My wife and I for years have had labs and I have a sweet spot for Labradors. It made me sick.”

Heath started taking Rocky to rehabilitation appointments with the goal of helping the happy dog walk again. The community noticed and donated over $21,000 via GoFundMe for his rehab efforts.

With the help of Heath and the community, Rocky made a recovery and found his forever home in July.

A Chicago couple, Mike and Pat, adopted Rocky.

They said he became a bit of a celebrity in the community.

“The community support has been incredible,” Pat said last year. “People have gone up and say ‘is that the little dog that was found?’”

A warrant was issued for Wilkins on Sept. 11, court records show. His arraignment date is scheduled for Thursday, but court records indicate he has already demanded a trial.

Wilkins is alleged to torture Rocky “which caused extreme physical pain motivated by the intent to increase or prolong the pain, suffering or agony of the animal,” the criminal complaint reads.

He’s accused of causing Rocky to suffer through various broken bones without seeking medical attention.

Wilkins was given pre-trial release on April 15, according to court documents.