Michael Anthony Madril

ESCANABA — An Escanaba man charged with animal torture for the alleged severe abuse of a puppy was arraigned in Delta County District Court Wednesday while lodged in jail on separate charges in a child abuse case.

Michael Anthony Madril, 27, of Escanaba was officially charged with animals – killing/torturing, a four-year felony with a maximum fine of $5,000 and 500 hours of community service. If convicted of the charge, Madril could also be ordered to pay for the cost of veterinary care and may be prohibited from owning an animal.

Delta County Sheriff’s Office arrested Madril on the animal torture charge Tuesday. Madril was arraigned on child abuse – second degree, a 10-year felony, in a separate case in district court Monday.

The animal torture case against Madril came to light after a severely abused puppy was found on Dec. 20 and brought to the Delta Animal Shelter. The Delta Animal Shelter contacted the Delta County Sheriff’s Office about a puppy that was dropped off the shelter with multiple injuries. The puppy had been found at the end of a dirt road in Rock, unable to walk.

The Delta Animal Shelter gave the puppy the name “Buddy.”

After the puppy was examined, the injuries were suspected to have been caused by animal abuse. The puppy was euthanized Dec. 21 because of the severity of its injuries, including multiple fractures. All four of the puppy’s legs had been broken.

After an investigation, the Delta County Sheriff’s Office sought and issued a warrant for Madril, who was already lodged in the Delta County Correctional Facility.

The child abuse case against Madril occurred on or about Jan. 13. He was arraigned on the child abuse – second degree charge on Jan. 14. He was still in jail being held on a $125,000 cash/surety bond when the warrant for his arrest on the animal torture case was issued.

The cash/surety bond for both cases against Madril was set at $125,000. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference, which is closed to the public, on Jan. 24. Madril’s preliminary examination is scheduled for Jan. 31.