Man arraigned in brutal death of dog found in Utica park

A man who Macomb County authorities say surreptitiously adopted a pit bull mix from a local shelter has been charged with killing the dog whose bloodied carcass was found last week in a Utica park.

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said the owner has been charged with one count of killing/torturing an animal.

Alexander Gerth, 22, of Utica was arraigned Thursday in 41-A District Court in Shelby Township, according to the court. His bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. He pleaded not guilty and petitioned for a court-appointed attorney, which was granted, according to the court.

If he is able to post bond, he is not to possess firearms, ammunition or dangerous weapons, have no contact with animals and not use or possess alcohol or drugs, according to the court.

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Sterling, a medium-size, 2-year-old, mixed breed, was found with multiple stab wounds on Jan. 24 underneath a picnic table, in below-freezing temperatures, in Utica's Grant Park, Smith said in a news release. There was a trail of blood from a nearby waste receptacle to the location where Sterling perished, Smith said.

“The inhumane treatment of Sterling by this defendant is unconscionable,” stated Prosecutor Smith. “My office is fully committed to prosecuting this case at the fullest extent under the law. No animal deserves to have his life ended this way.”

Smith said the suspect had applied to the Michigan Humane Society for ownership of Sterling, but was denied because of his living situation. The man convinced a friend to adopt Sterling for him, and moved Sterling into his apartment at the end of December, the prosecutor said.

Smith said the suspect "admitted to hitting and punching Sterling on numerous occasions in the short time that Sterling lived with him, stating he used the physical abuse as a means of discipline."

“Rest assured that there will be no plea bargaining in the case. We have charged (the suspect) with most severe charge on the books; and, we will be asking for the maximum possible sentence provided under the law,” Smith said. “There is no doubt that there needs to be tougher laws addressing animal abuse.”

The charge of killing/torturing an animal is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

Authorities said the friend is not facing charges and didn't even have the dog a day.

Gerth's next court dates are set for Feb. 11 and Feb. 19, when a preliminary exam is scheduled.

Staff writer Christina Hall contributed to this report.