A District Court judge raised the bail for an Arundel man accused of stabbing to death his mother’s dog. Jacob Belanger made his initial court appearance in Springvale District Court on Wednesday, charged with the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals. His bail had been set at $1,000.

But when he returned to York County Jail his bail had been increased to $2,500. His next appearance in court is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 8.

York County sheriff’s deputies said Belanger stabbed the 4-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Annabel, multiple times with a pocket knife Tuesday. He reportedly was angry that there were so many dogs – particularly large dogs – at his mother’s house on Alfred Road, where he lives.

Deputies said there were 12 dogs, eight belonging to his mother and four to her daughter, who had recently moved in with them. There also are dogs on surrounding properties. The mother said they are in the process of buying a farmhouse, in part to accommodate their love of dogs, said Sheriff William King.

The dog had bitten someone previously but had not been aggressive to Belanger, King said.

According to the State Bureau of Identification, Belanger’s criminal record consists of a single conviction for theft, but the sheriff’s department says he has multiple arrests for property crimes.

 


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