40 Year old Carl Merlin Morgan of Beulah Michigan was bound over for trial in the Oceana County 27th Circuit Court on a change of killing and torturing an animal, a four year felony, in the dragging death of an Irish Setter Dog on April 21, 2011. He is also charged with abandoning and cruelty to an animal, a 93 day misdemeanor.

The dragging incident was reported to police at about 10 p.m., after a woman noticed a trail of blood on Taylor Road near 48th Avenue in Golden Township and called 911. Police followed the three mile long blood trail, which led them to the buried dog. The driver of the truck faces the same charges. Police said they have not been able to locate the driver.

The opportunity exists for the courts to send a strong message that abusing, torturing or killing animals is not acceptable. We are asking Chief Judge, Anthony Monton to not be lenient to this man. To prosecute him to a minimum of 5 years begin bars, and a $20,000 fine.