DETROIT (WWJ) – A Detroit man accused of torturing a small dog and abusing and harassing his former girlfriend has been ordered to stand trial.
Julius Holley, 55, was bound over for trial Tuesday after waiving his preliminary exam.
He has been charged with one count each of first-degree home invasion, first-degree killing/torturing of animals, larceny in a building and stalking.
The charges stem from an incident in which Holley allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home without her permission and took her Yorkshire Terrier mix, along with other items from the house.
Holley then allegedly sent his ex videos of him beating and torturing the dog.
The brutalized dog was then left in a bucket next to a house, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office. The dog was taken in by Michigan Humane to ensure it could not be abused again.
Under Michigan law, anyone that tortures or kills a pet with the intent to cause mental suffering or distress to a person, or to exert control over a person, is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, according to the AG’s office.
“Law enforcement is all too familiar with the link between domestic violence and animal abuse,” Nessel said, per a press release. “State law that rightfully acknowledges the relationship between these two crimes provides prosecutors with the tools necessary to hold accountable these violent offenders.”
Holley is scheduled to be arraigned in circuit court on December 27.
The case against Holley is part of apartnership between the Department of Attorney General and Michigan Humane to investigate and prosecute animal abuse crimes.
Michigan Humane provides a Safety Net pet fostering program for people who need a safe place to temporarily house their pets. People in need of the service, or those looking to volunteer to foster animals in these situations, should call the MIchigan Humane at 866-648-6263.
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