An Alpena, Michigan, man faces severe legal repercussions following a grim incident involving his three-month-old puppy. 65-year-old Steven Ernest Szymanski is charged with second-degree killing/torturing of an animal after police discovered he had allegedly stabbed the young dog before dumping its body in a trash receptacle, according to CBS News Detroit.
According to investigation details released by local authorities and detailed by Mid Michigan Now, the unfortunate canine sustained multiple stab wounds. In a conversation with the police, Szymanski purportedly expressed that he was "upset with the dog because it bit him." The incident has prompted a response from the community and animal rights activists, who are closely watching the unfolding of this case.
Police got involved early Wednesday after finding the dog’s body. They quickly linked the crime to Szymanski, who will have a probable cause hearing on September 18. As a habitual offender, Szymanski could face a harsher sentence if convicted.
