Target: Peter J. Lucido, Macomb County, MI Prosecutor
Goal: Ensure the maximum four-year felony sentence is pursued against the man who allegedly slammed, kicked, and strangled his dog by lifting it by the leash.
A deeply disturbing case has emerged after a man was arraigned on third-degree animal torture charges following an incident in which he allegedly slammed his dog onto the ground, kicked the animal multiple times, and strangled it by lifting the leash — suspending the dog by its own collar. The victim, a dog named Steel, survived without permanent injury, but the alleged violence inflicted upon him was severe enough to warrant the maximum charge available under Michigan law — a four-year felony. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed in a press release that the charge represents the highest penalty available based on the evidence presented.
According to reports, the incident occurred on March 15, and the accused was arraigned just one day later. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety, with the option to post 10% of that amount. The Macomb County Prosecutor has publicly stated that acts of cruelty toward pets are serious violations of the law and that animal abuse will not be tolerated. The speed of the arraignment and the decision to pursue the maximum available charge reflect the severity with which prosecutors are treating this alleged act of violence against a defenceless animal.
A dog allegedly slammed to the ground, kicked repeatedly, and strangled by being lifted by his own leash, enduring a terrifying and painful ordeal at the hands of the person responsible for his care. Steel survived — but the alleged cruelty inflicted upon him demands the full force of Michigan’s animal protection laws. The Macomb County Prosecutor must follow through on its public commitment and pursue the maximum four-year felony sentence, ensuring that this alleged act of torture carries real and meaningful consequences.
PETITION LETTER:
Prosecutor Lucido,
We are writing in strong support of your office’s decision to pursue the maximum available charge against a man arraigned on third-degree animal torture charges after allegedly slamming his dog Steel onto the ground, kicking him repeatedly, and strangling him by lifting the leash. Your office has publicly stated that acts of cruelty toward pets are serious violations of the law and that animal abuse will never be tolerated — and we are writing to urge you to honour that commitment fully in the prosecution of this case.
We are deeply concerned that without a sentence commensurate with the maximum charge, the message sent to the community will fall short of the gravity of what Steel allegedly endured. Being slammed to the ground, kicked multiple times, and strangled by suspension from a leash represents an extreme and deliberate act of violence against a defenceless animal. The fact that Steel survived without permanent injury does not diminish the severity of what he allegedly experienced — it speaks only to his resilience.
We respectfully demand that your office pursue the full four-year felony sentence available under the law, and that any sentencing outcome include a permanent prohibition on animal ownership for the accused. Steel survived this reported attack — but he and every animal like him deserve the assurance that those who abuse them will face the full weight of the law. We ask that your office deliver that assurance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Brixiv
