Macomb County man charged with strangling dad's Labrador retriever to death
Man charged with strangling father's Labrador retriever to death
William Kucharski, Jr. told responding police they "were all gonna go to hell."
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (FOX 2) - A Macomb County man accused of strangling his dad's dog appeared in court Friday on charges of killing an animal after police arrested him earlier this week.
What we know:
A 48-year-old Richmond man was charged with killing an animal in the third degree after he allegedly strangled his father's dog on Jan. 14.
William Kucharski Jr. strangled a fully grown Labrador retriever to death. Macomb County Sheriff's deputies were called to the home around 5:30 p.m. after getting a call about a dead pet.
Police said the dog's owner came home to Kurcharski with his arms around its neck and could not remove his grip. The suspect also threatened to hurt himself.
He was charged as a habitual fourth offender.
He was given a $150,000 cash/surety bond, no 10%. He appeared in court from a hospital bed. His next court appointment is Jan. 28.
William Kucharski Jr., 48, of Richmond. Mug shot courtesy of Macomb County Prosecutors Office
What we don't know:
It's unclear why Kucharski killed his dad's dog or what factors were in play when he was arrested.
He is also expected to be arraigned on other charges for an unrelated arson case involving arson and assault with a dangerous weapon. No other information on that incident is available.
What they're saying:
The county prosecutor pushed for harsher punishments for those who abuse animals, causing a loss of life.
"It is alarming to see innocent animals subjected to such cruelty," Pete Lucido said. "I urge everyone who believes in harsher consequences for animal abuse and the loss of animal life to contact their state legislature and push for changes in the law that will allow for stricter penalties for these heinous acts."
Kucharski faces up to four years in prison if convicted.