Man who abused dog in Macomb Township likely to enter drug rehab

A 27-year-old man who abused a dog was ordered to serve six months in jail and 18 months probation but in the alternative can enter an inpatient drug-rehabilitation program.

Andrea Biondo received the sentence Thursday from Judge Joseph Toia at Macomb County Circuit Court after pleading guilty in January to animal killing or torture and possession of less than 25 grams of a narcotic and analogues.

Biondo abused a Havenese dog named “Nella” on Oct. 30 at a Macomb Township home while the owner was out. The dog was missing, and Biondo was arrested later the same day. Nella was found injured three days later in the same neighborhood near 23 Mile and Card roads.

A video at the home showed Biondo carrying the dog by its neck.

Biondo was released in December after a Chesterfield Township woman posted $2,500, 10 percent of a $25,000 bond. He stayed for a period at Grace Centers of Hope, a drug rehab facility.

Judge Toia ordered Biondo to report to the county jail at Groesbeck Highway and Elizabeth Road by 6 p.m. Saturday, at which time he will be able to enter an inpatient drug program in lieu of jail time if a spot is available, court records say. If he fails to complete the rehab program, he will be ordered to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Biondo gets 33 days of jail credit for time served.

He also must take anger-management training and pay about $1,000 in restitution to two victims, according to records.

He also cannot own an animal indefinitely, records say.

-- Macomb Daily staff