Willis man, Stephen Price, accused of shooting neighbor's labrador pit bull mix

MICHIGAN -- A 64-year-old Willis man was charged with a felony after police say he shot his neighbor's dog.

Stephen Stanley Price was arraigned earlier this month and charged with killing/torturing animals, according to court records.

Price is set to appear in the 14A-1 District Court for a preliminary examination Sept. 10 after waiving a 14-day rule at a hearing last Thursday, records show. Defendants have a right to a preliminary exam within 14 days of arraignment unless they waive that right.

Price was at his home in the 11000 block of Tuttle Hill Road in Augusta Township on April 20 when his neighbor's mixed breed lab-pit bull got onto his property, according to Michigan State Police Sgt. Mark Thompson.

Price shot the dog twice with a pistol, according to police.

"He said he shot the dog out of self-defense," Thompson said.

The dog's owner, a 41-year-old man, heard the shots and came to the dog's aid. The dog survived.

The dog's owner called state police troopers, who investigated the incident.

The Washtenaw County prosecutor's office authorized charges in late May. A magistrate signed a warrant at the end of June.

Price was arraigned Aug. 6. He is free on a $5,000 personal bond.

(MLive - Aug 20, 2015)