UTICA, Mich. (WXYZ) — Utica Police have made an arrest in the fatal stabbing of a 3-year-old pit bull mix named Sterling. Police, the Michigan Humane Society and Crime Stoppers all offered rewards for the suspect's arrest.
The dog was stabbed and left to die in Grant Park in Utica last Thursday.
Sterling was traced with a chip back to the Humane Society and the current owner who lives near Utica. The owner, who is not being identified and is not a suspect, says the dog was taken from inside the home the day before.
Elise Ramsey of the Humane Society says they’ve had the dog since it was a puppy born in their care.
Sterling had been adopted out twice before and returned - not because of behavioral problems, but owners who could not take care of the dog.
The current owner took the dog in December. She described the dog as very kind and friendly. She says this case was intentional and thorough with the intent to kill.
It could be a felony with up to 4 years in prison if convicted of intentional animal cruelty.
Anthony Jones of Crime Stoppers says his organization is involved because this is a crime and whoever did it might be bragging about it. He also said people start with harming animals and next it is people.
