WARREN - A 43-year-old Warren man accused of threatening two people with a knife and stabbing a family dog after being asked to leave their home has pleaded no contest to his charges.

Police say that James Vigneau threatened a friend and his friend's daughter on May 17, after they asked him to leave for making inappropriate comments. When the family dog came to protect the owners, Vigneau reportedly stabbed the dog twice in its mouth and once in the nose. The dog survived the attack, according to the prosecutor's office.

James Vigneau, 43, of Warren, is accused of threatening two people with a knife and stabbing their family dog in May. (Courtesy Macomb County Prosecutor's Office)

Appearing in the Macomb County Circuit Court last Tuesday, Vigneau pleaded no contest to second-degree animal torture - a seven-year felony - and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony. He was also charged as a habitual offender - fourth offense, an aggravating sentencing factor.

 Violence against people and animals will not be tolerated,  Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a news release about the case.  Today's plea is an important step toward accountability. 

His sentencing was set for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

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