A 31-year-old Sterling Heights man is facing felony charges after his girlfriend's small dog allegedly died following a violent incident in November. The dog, an 8-year-old Yorkie named Teddy, reportedly died in his then-girlfriend's arms. The suspect, identified as Fouad Yosif Yaldo, is now charged in connection with the case.
According to ClickOnDetroit, police say Yaldo picked up Teddy on Nov. 6 and struck him twice "with great force," then carried the motionless dog back to his then-girlfriend. Last Friday, prosecutors charged Yaldo with third-degree killing or torturing an animal and set the bond at $75,000. His probable-cause conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 26.
What prosecutors allege
Prosecutors contend that Yaldo's alleged actions meet Michigan's definition of knowingly killing or torturing an animal, a felony that is divided into degrees depending on whether the animal is a companion animal and on the defendant's intent. Courts can order restitution for veterinary bills and can also prohibit a convicted defendant from owning animals as part of the sentence. Under the statute cited by the Michigan Legislature, the most serious classifications can carry prison terms of up to 10 years.
County context
Macomb County has confronted several high-profile animal-cruelty cases in recent years. The 2019 killing of a dog named Sterling led prosecutors to create the Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety, or PAWS, Task Force to coordinate investigations, according to FOX 2 Detroit. At the time, prosecutors said animal-abuse filings had spiked and that a coordinated task force could help identify and prosecute alleged offenders more effectively.
Next steps
Yaldo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. His probable-cause conference is scheduled for Thursday in the district court. At that hearing, a judge will determine whether the case is bound over for trial or continues in district court on the existing third-degree animal-killing or torturing charge.
