Pocono News Section

Williamsport Man Accused of Animal Abuse

Williamsport Man Accused of Animal Abuse - Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6:35PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Feb 4, 2010 @ 06:35pm EST
Muncy, Lycoming County-

A Williamsport man will face animal cruelty charges after police say he punched and abused a dog that later died.

Prosecutors say 34-year-old Michael Welliver punched his now ex-girlfriend's miniature dachshund in the head and threw it through the air.

Welliver claims the dog bit him on multiple occasions.

The alleged attack happened last December. The dog died two days later.

We spoke with both sides after Thursday's hearing.

Jennifer Pequignot, the dog’s owner, said, "I feel guilty for leaving my daughter with him. He shouldn't be around animals or children. My daughter's been going through counseling to deal with this. It's been really hard for me and my children."

Defense Attorney Aaron Biichle countered, "Basically this is a case about a dog gone wild. And he was bitten. He had to do what he had to do to get the dog off of him. And it's an unfortunate circumstance for everybody that's involved."

Welliver has a somewhat lengthy criminal history, including a series of assault charges. He'll be back in court next month.