Man Who Fed Needles To Neighbor's Dog Pleads No Contest In Animal's Death

MONROE (WWJ/AP) - A Michigan man who hid needles in meat that was eaten by a neighbor's dog faces sentencing after pleading no contest to attempted animal killing or torture.

The Monroe Evening News reports that 64-year-old Gary Pinchoff also must pay $539 in restitution to the dog's owner.

Pinchoff entered his plea Thursday in Monroe County Circuit Court. The charge carries up to two years in prison. A charge of animal killing or torture was dismissed.

The dog's owner told police in December that his 8-year-old Labrador retriever, named Jinx, vomited 20 needles. According to the Monroe News, the needles were about a half-inch long, had their heads cut off and were concealed inside sections of cut-up hot dogs.

The family was forced to euthanize their dog after a veterinarian found needles embedded in the animal's stomach and intestines.

State Police Trooper Michael Petersen said Pinchoff told police he put the needles inside the meat to prevent the dog from coming onto his Frenchtown Township property. Pinchoff claims he didn't realize the dog would swallow the meat.

A neighbor who lives in between Pinchoff and the dog's family said Jinx wasn't kept in a fenced-in yard, but his family kept him close to home.

"He was a big, black Lab, a pretty dog, a big dog, he was a friendly thing. I don't think he would ever hurt anyone," said Betty Mayes.

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