The trial for Joshua T. Prior, 31, is scheduled to begin Feb. 1, 2016.
Prior was charged in August with killing a domestic animal and domestic violence animal cruelty, both level 6 felonies, and cruelty to an animal, a class A misdemeanor. Together, the charges carry a sentence of up to six years in prison.
According to court documents, Prior went to a relative’s home in South Bend on Aug. 18 and asked the relative for money so that he could buy heroin. The relative refused and Prior became angry.
The relative’s pet Terrier, Minnie, began barking and Prior yelled at the dog, then began beating it with a boat oar, according to court documents.
Prior then left the home and spoke to another relative on the phone, admitting to that relative that he killed Minnie, according to court documents. He was arrested near the home shortly after leaving the home. He is being held at the St. Joseph County Jail on $30,000 corporate surety or $3,000 cash bond.
