Macomb County Man Accused Of Strangling Family Dog: Sheriff

RICHMOND TOWNSHIP, MI — A Macomb County man is facing charges after strangling the family dog Tuesday, according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

William John Kucharski, Jr., 48, was charged with third-degree killing or torturing an animal, which is a 4-year felony. He was charged as a habitual fourth offender which may result in a stricter penalty.

He is also charged in Lapeer County with second-degree arson, assault with a dangerous weapon and resisting and obstructing a police officer.

He was placed in the Macomb County Jail with a bond set at $150,000. His next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

The incident happened at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home on Prinz Road in Richmond Township, according to officials.

Officials said a 911 caller said Kucharski, Jr. choked and killed his father's fully grown Labrador retriever, according to officials.

The caller also voiced concern about the welfare of Kucharski, Jr. and his father, according to officials.

Investigators said Kucharski, Jr. was alone with the dog at the home. When his father returned home, he found the man with his arms around the canine, according to officials.

The man tried to remove his son's arms from around the pet, but couldn't, according to officials.

"It is alarming to see innocent animals subjected to such cruelty. 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," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.