Interesting... if you or I commit a similar crime we would be overcharged with dozens of felonies, elder abuse, etc., as well as a trumped up murder one, and anything else the prosecutor could dream up, with the hope that we would accept a plea bargain to murder two or manslaughter. However, for Officer Friendly, just one charge on the lowest level felony they can come up with, that he will probably either beat, or plead down to a misdemenour. Not all animals are equal it seems.
Illinois
(720 ILCS 5/12-5) (from Ch. 38, par. 12-5)
Sec. 12-5. Reckless conduct.
(a) A person commits reckless conduct when he or she, by any means lawful or unlawful, recklessly performs an act or acts that:
(1) cause bodily harm to or endanger the safety of
another person; or
(2) cause great bodily harm or permanent disability
or disfigurement to another person.
(b) Sentence.
Reckless conduct under subdivision (a)(1) is a Class A misdemeanor. Reckless conduct under subdivision (a)(2) is a Class 4 felony.
(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11.)