A Union Pier, Mich. man has been arrested in LaPorte County on suspicion of shooting a pet donkey during a domestic dispute.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday Jan. 1, LaPorte County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to a home in the 8600 north block of Wilhelm Road regarding a possible domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival deputies found a male and female, reported to be boyfriend and girlfriend, that were verbally arguing. Both were found to be intoxicated and the female claimed that she had been physically battered by the boyfriend, according to LaPorte County Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Kellems.

While investigating the disturbance, the deputy noticed that there was a domestic donkey on the property that was in some type of distress, Kellems reported.

Upon further investigation he found that the animal was bleeding profusely from the head.

Once it was determined that the donkey, approximately five years old and named “Jack”, had been shot in the head near the left eye, according to Kellems.

Deputies called for the Director of the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter for assistance; she in turned summoned a local veterinarian, however, the donkey died before medical help arrived.

The suspect shooter, Olvydas Abromavieius, 50, was charged with domestic battery as well as domestic violence animal cruelty.

Abromavieius was initially taken to LaPorte Hospital due to a high level on intoxication before being cleared to be booked into the LaPorte County Jail. His blood alcohol level was reported at the hospital to be .30%, according to Kellems.

Abromavieius was lodged in the LaPorte County Jail on the above listed charges with a $1505.00 cash bond. He is scheduled to appear in LaPorte Superior Court on Tuesday.