Bradley Allen Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor After Felony Animal Abuse Charge Dismissed
Bradley Allen, 27, of Sterling Heights, pleaded no contest to a 93-day misdemeanor charge of abandoning or cruelty to one animal following an October 8, 2026 preliminary examination, ClickOnDetroit reported. Judge Eric D. Shepherd of the 41A District Court dismissed a more severe felony charge of third-degree killing or torturing animals after ruling that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to bind the defendant over to the circuit court.
The case stems from a February 20, 2026 incident. Authorities accused Allen of striking a dog with a leash three times and hitting the animal in the face approximately six times while walking near 15 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue.
Macomb County Prosecutor Details Office Policy on Plea Agreements
Following initial confusion surrounding the resolution of the case, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office clarified that it did not negotiate a plea deal with the defendant. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido emphasized that his office maintains a strict policy against offering plea agreements in animal abuse cases.
“I understand that people love animals and I do, too,” Lucido said, according to ClickOnDetroit. “It is heart-wrenching to see an animal be injured or abused in any way. In this case, the judge did not bind the defendant over to the circuit court to stand trial on the felony charge. The judge dismissed the charge, not my office. It is my policy that we do not make plea agreements in cases related to animal abuse.”
Court Orders Forfeiture of Dogs Winnie and Kilo
Alongside the criminal proceedings, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office initiated a civil forfeiture action against Allen concerning his two dogs, Winnie and Kilo. The court sustained the action, ordering Allen to forfeit both animals. Sterling Heights Police Animal Control took custody of the dogs, and both have since been adopted into new homes.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge community members to report suspicious or concerning behavior involving animals. The Sterling Heights Police Department noted that residents act as the eyes and ears of local neighborhoods, playing a vital role in protecting both people and pets.
Sentencing Scheduled for November 23, 2026
Judge Eric D. Shepherd is scheduled to sentence Bradley Allen at 9 a.m. on November 23, 2026, at the 41A District Court, following the defendant’s no-contest plea to the misdemeanor cruelty charge.
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