A McHenry man accused of beating a small dog causing fractured ribs, multiple contusions and bleeding, was denied bond reduction this week after a judge said he was concerned for his mental health.

Elijah D. Washington, 21, of the 4000 block of Savoy Lane, is charged with aggravated animal cruelty. He is being held in McHenry County jail on $20,000 bond.

According to a complaint filed in the McHenry County courthouse, on Aug. 20 Washington “knowingly and unlawfully struck a companion animal (toy poodle mix dog) numerous times with his fists, leash and blunt objects as to cause great bodily harm …”

At Wednesday’s bond hearing, Assistant State’s Atty. Mary Ann Scholl said McHenry Police went to the home in response to a call requesting a welfare check.

When police arrived they located the four-year-old male toy poodle, which weighed between 10 and 13 pounds, in a back bedroom “frightened and hemorrhaging. ”

Scholl said police reported the dog “had blood all over his face.”

 Scholl said Washington admitted to becoming enraged after the dog bit his niece. Police said the girl had a small red mark on her hand but the skin was not broken.

“He admitted to striking the dog numerous times with its leash and continuing to beat the dog with a closed fist and a plastic scratcher,” Scholl said.

The dog had three fractured ribs, pulmonary contusions in the lungs, contusions all over the body, hemorrhaging  and swelling in both eyes, according to the doctors who evaluated the dog, Scholl said.

Judge James Cowlin denied the bond reduction saying he was concerned for Washington’s mental health. He also did not know whether the dog was still going to be in the home should Washington return.

Washington is due back in court Sept. 20.