Harness Embedded in Flesh of Neglected Dog: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A Joliet teen left a harness on a dog for so long that its skin grew around it and it got embedded in the animal’s flesh, police said.

Esmerlda Mancera, 18, faces charges of cruel treatment of an animal and neglecting her duties as an owner.

Mancera left the harness on the tan shepherd mix for so long that it “became embedded in the skin of the dog and had become infected” and had to be “surgically removed,” according to a criminal complaint on file in Will County court.

Mancera also allegedly failed to take the dog to a veterinarian.

The warrant for Mancera’s arrest carries a $5,000 bond.