Macomb County man found strangling dad's dog sentenced

(FOX 2) - The 48-year-old Macomb County man accused of strangling his dad's dog to death was sentenced this week after pleading guilty.

William Kucharski pleaded guilty to a single animal cruelty count two months after he was found allegedly strangling the dog.

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William Kucharski of Richmond Township pleaded no contest to one count of animal cruelty on March 17. 

He was sentenced to 63 days in jail with credit for time served, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. A felony charge of animal torture was dismissed.

A mental health evaluation was ordered before Kucharski was arraigned on new charges for an open warrant out of St. Clair County.

The case's resolution comes two months after the 48-year-old was arrested for allegedly strangling his father's pet dog to death. He was originally charged as a habitual offender with killing an animal in the third degree.

William Kucharski, 48, of Richmond Township

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Prosecutors were unable to prosecute Kucharski for the felony charge because the veterinarian who conducted the necropsy could not determine the dog's death.

They could say the dog had chronic age-related issues.

"When we can no longer prove the original charge beyond a reasonable doubt, the right thing to do is to dismiss the charges and add the appropriate charge," said prosecutor Pete Lucido. "Upholding the integrity of the justice system means ensuring that every decision is based on truth and fairness."

Kucharski was also re-arraigned on an open warrant in St. Clair County. He was charged with three felonies:

• Arson in the Second Degree - 20-year felony
• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon - four-year felony
• Assault /Resisting / Obstructing a Police Officer - two-year felony

Officials set his bond at $5,000 cash. A probable cause hearing was scheduled for March 25, 2025.

The backstory:

Macomb County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to a Richmond Township home in mid-January for a report of a dead family pet and possible threat to a family member.

According to police, the suspect's father had come home and found his son allegedly choking and killing the dog. 

Kucharski had been alone with the dog when its owner came home to find his arms around the dog, unable to remove them, police said.

The 911 caller was concerned about both the welfare of the suspect and his father after the incident due to the suspect making threats to harm himself. 

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story misreported the defendant's sentence. It has been corrected to reflect the accurate information.