http://www.freep.com/news/latestnews/qlatena10.htm
                                      
         Two teens accused of killing puppy with potent firecracker
                                      
                                July 9, 1999
                                      
                              ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                      
     SAGINAW, Mich. -- Two Saginaw teen-agers face charges of killing a
   German shepherd puppy by igniting a potent firecracker attached to its
                         collar, authorities said.
                                      
   Charles Powell, 17, was arraigned Wednesday in Saginaw County District
   Court on a charge of killing or torturing an animal. A 14-year-old boy
    has been charged as a juvenile with an identical count, police said.
                                      
   Authorities told The Saginaw News that the teen-agers allegedly lit an
   M-80 -- an illegal explosive they say has the power of a quarter-stick
           of dynamite -- killing the 4-month-old dog instantly.
                                      
    If convicted, Powell faces up to four years in prison, a $5,000 fine
   and 500 hours of community service. The court also could prohibit him
                from owning an animal for a period of time.
                                      
            His preliminary hearing has been set for Wednesday.