Man pleads guilty to attempted animal killing in dog death case.

June 22, 2021

Eric Wood, at right, with his attorney Jason Kolkema.

Man pleads guilty to attempted animal killing in dog death case.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 37-year-old Montague man pleaded guilty to attempted killing/torturing an animal in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, June 22, in connection to the killing of a dog.

Eric James Wood II, of 5016 W. Webster Rd., testified before Judge Susan K. Sniegowski that he killed a chihuahua pekingese mix Dec 19, 2020 in Riverton Township. He shot the dog, which was his girlfriend’s mother’s dog, with a handgun, according to Mason County Prosecutor Lauren Kreinbrink.

Wood was arrested by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office on felony charges of killing/torturing an animal and felony firearm. Those charges will be dismissed after pleading to the lesser charge.

Wood will receive a sentence of probation and no jail. He will be ordered to complete a psychological evaluation and perform 500 hours of community service. He will also be ordered to not own or possess an animal, said Kreinbrink.

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 0-3 months.

The maximum penalty for attempted killing/torturing an animal is two years.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m. 

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