Man Fined For Killing Squirrel With Boiling Water

Man Fined For Killing Squirrel With Boiling Water
76-Year-Old John Grivas Found Guilty Of Animal Cruelty


(Northwest Herald) CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. A judge found a 76-year-old Crystal Lake man guilty Wednesday of animal cruelty for pouring boiling water on a squirrel that he trapped in his yard last year.

Judge Charles Weech sentenced John Grivas to serve one year of court supervision, pay a $250 fine and make a $250 donation to a state conservation group.

Grivas, who admitted the offense to conservation police, told police he did it because he grew frustrated with squirrels chewing on a window in his garage.

“He did it because he was mad,” said assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Campobasso. “He abused and cruelly treated that squirrel by pouring boiling water.”

Grivas’ neighbor, who testified during the one-day trial, reported the abuse to police after witnessing it from her kitchen window.

By Brandon Coutre / Northwest Herald

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