CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 24-year-old Chesterfield Township man is facing charges on accusations he stabbed an ex-girlfriend's dog nine times.

Police said the pit bull mix was brought to a Clinton Township veterinary clinic in early February by a woman who said her ex-boyfriend had stabbed the dog. The woman relinquished her ownership and the dog underwent treatment for a punctured lung.

The clinic notified Clinton Township police, but Chesterfield Township took over when it was determined that the incident happened at an apartment in Chesterfield Township where the suspect, Patrick Edward O'Connor, lived. Police said they were initially unable to make contact with O'Connor but were called to his apartment on 23 Mile Road for a domestic violence complaint on Feb. 10.

O'Connor was arrested on a domestic violence charge for allegedly assaulting a 29-year-old woman. While being held on the charge, police questioned him about the dog.

Police said he told them he had alcohol and anger management issues and said, "I did what I did."

O'Connor is charged with domestic violence and torturing an animal, which is a felony.

Police said the dog is expected to recover and is being adopted by one of the veterinarians.