ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE NEEDS YOUR LETTERS

 A Berrien County man is facing numerous charges for allegedly shooting and killing a neighbor's dog. Police responded to a report of a dog shooting around 3:44 p.m. March 9 to the 500 block of Maple Street in Niles.  Police say the Labrador dog escaped from his fenced backyard and approached Fred Pearson, a neighbor.  Pearson told police the dog tried to enter his home twice when the front door was opened, and the second time is when he shot the animal.  Pearson, 82, turned himself in to police Friday morning. He has been charged with animal cruelty, felony firearm and reckless use of a firearm.

 Please write to the district attorney.  Ask him to take this case seriously.  There is a strong link between violence to humans and violence to animals.  Ask the district attorney to push for the maximum prison sentence and fines.  Please also ask that Mr. Pearson undergo anger management classes.

 James A. Cherry
Berrien County Prosecutor
811 Port St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 983-7111 x8315
Fax: (269) 983-5757
E-mail: jcherry@berriencounty.org