Monroe man charged with slitting dog's throat, turns himself in

A Monroe man has turned himself in and is charged with cruelty to a companion animal after allegedly slitting his dog’s throat.

Michael Kelley, 62, is accused of slitting the throat of his 7-year-old Yorkie-poo, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. The deceased dog was discovered by Monroe police and fire personnel during a medical run Nov. 2 to Kelley’s residence.

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According to the complaint filed Nov. 21, Butler County Deputy Dog Warden Jennifer Schwaller alleged that Kelly took the dog outside and slit its throat with a kitchen knife. However, that attempt was unsuccessful so he then retrieved a fillet knife to finish the job.

“Cases like this are disturbing and I don’t understand the mentality of people who mistreat innocent animals,” said Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones. “It makes one think what else they may be capable of. We will continue to take a firm stance here in Butler County against anyone who commits disgusting acts like this.”

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Kelley turned himself in Tuesday morning at the Butler County Jail, according to Kurt Merbs, dog warden supervisor.

The sheriff’s office said the charge is a fifth-degree felony.

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About the Author

Ed Richter

Ed Richter has been a working journalist for 38 years, with the last 34 years working in various capacities covering Butler and Warren counties as a reporter and an editor. Richter covers local news and governments in Warren County focusing on Springboro, Lebanon, Franklin, Carlisle and Waynesville.