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Michigan man accused of strangling his father's dog to death

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Three men arrested for murder of Pontiac businessman and more top stories 04:00

(CBS DETROIT) — A 48-year-old Macomb County man is accused of strangling his father's Labrador Retriever to death. 

At around 5:25 p.m. on Jan. 14, Macomb County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a residence on Prinz Road in Richmond Township for a report of a possible dead family pet and a threat to a family member. Deputies say the caller was concerned about the welfare of the suspect and the suspect's father. 

The suspect, William John Kucharski Jr., was home alone with the dog and is accused of choking and killing the animal. When the suspect's father returned home, he allegedly found his son with his arms around the dog and was unable to remove them. Deputies say the suspect also made threats to harm himself. 

Kucharski was reportedly uncooperative with deputies and was arrested. 

He was arraigned Friday on one count of third-degree killing an animal, a four-year felony. His bond was set at $150,000. 

Kucharski is currently hospitalized and in the custody of Macomb County Sheriff's deputies. 

"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.

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

Kucharski returns to a Macomb County court for a probable cause hearing on Jan. 28 and has a preliminary examination on Feb. 4. 

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