OHIO -- An Erie man faces a court hearing in August on animal cruelty and other charges Erie police filed after accusing him of letting his dog kill a kitten.
Michael Jefferson, no age available, is accused of inciting his mixed-breed dog to attack and kill a woman's kitten on her property in the 900 block of West 17th Street on June 23. Jefferson encouraged his dog to "get it," and he laughed as the attack took place, according to the criminal complaint filed by Erie police.
Police said the attack was witnessed by neighbors, including children.
The dog was held in quarantine for 30 days after the attack. It has since been returned to its owner, said Rob Culbertson, Erie's animal enforcement officer.
Jefferson, of the 900 block of West 16th Street, was charged by summons last week with recklessly endangering another person, cruelty to animals, failure to restrain, and failure to have a dog license or required rabies vaccination.
He is scheduled to appear before Erie 6th Ward District Judge Dominick DiPaolo for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 15.
(GoErie.com - July 21, 2013)
