By Stephanie Grinnell

Staff Writer

Michael Morin of Biddeford pled guilty to charges of aggravated animal cruelty Feb. 28 in Alfred Superior Court. The plea was considered a victory for animal rights advocates, who pushed for the increased level of charges against Morin, who was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and breaking and entering. 

At the time of the alleged attack June 8, 2007, Bandit was in the back of his owner’s truck parked at Bentley’s Saloon in Arundel. The slaying of Ron Pelletier’s pet was reportedly in retaliation for a perceived relationship with a woman known to both Morin and Pelletier, according to police reports. 

Morin’s guilty plea resulted in a sentence of two years in prison, with all but eight months suspended in addition to two years of probation with conditions and $875 in restitution to Pelletier, according to a press release from Protest for Bandit, an group who rallied to increase the charges against Morin. 

Messages left for Morin were not returned as of press time.

Pelletier, who lives in Kennebunk, said he was saddened by the outcome.

“It’s kind of a sadness, there’s no winners in this game, there’s no victory, there’s no celebration,” he said, adding it is a shame to send anyone to prison in spite of crimes they may have committed. 

Pelletier said he would have liked to see a longer sentence, but said he was assured by a number of people that Morin received a lengthy sentence for animal cruelty. 

He said he appreciated the support of the numerous animal rights groups.

“It’s pretty awesome, their support speak highly to animal cruelty,” said Pelletier, adding there is more awareness about animal cruelty because of Bandit. “It still amazes me we don’t value the life of animals.”

Animal rights groups protested throughout the court process, writing letters requesting the original charges be increased to aggravated animal cruelty, a felony. Ultimately, the charges were increased to the felony level, making the punishment more harsh for Morin. Charges of breaking and entering were dropped.

Ree Gonzalez, a member of Protest for Bandit, a group who collected signatures for a petition to increase the charges against Morin, said Morin chose not to make a statement during his time in court.

“There are no winners here today, but it gave some hope that the justice system is becoming serious on the animal cruelty laws,” she said. 

In a written statement, Gonzalez encouraged people to continue to speak for animal rights. 

“Please remember folks to continue fighting on for the cause. Please remember that there are many animals out there still that need us in one way or another. Please remember to support your local organizations by volunteering, donating whatever you can whether it be monies or supplies and never be afraid to speak up,” she said. “Please be the eyes and ears and voices for our animals.”

Gonzalez said she is planning a gathering in memory of Bandit but has not finished working out the details. 

Pelletier said he would consider getting another dog if he were not so busy at this time attending school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. He said the time he would need to put into training a new dog would be too much of a commitment at this point. Bandit was a therapy dog and traveled everywhere with Pelletier including to his daughter’s games at Kennebunk High School. 

“He was the unofficial mascot of Kennebunk,” said Pelletier. 

He said the loss of Bandit has left “a major void” in his life but said it has allowed him to reach out to other dog owners.

“Of course, Bandit was the best,” Pelletier said with a laugh.

He doesn’t have any other pets, because he said dogs are his “passion.”   

Contact Stephanie Grinnell by calling 282-4337 ext. 213 or email news@inthecourier.com.