PALM COAST, Fla. -- A former Flagler County School Board member is accused of stabbing a dog to death.
Richard Marier, 68, is charged with felony animal cruelty. Deputies responded to his neighbor's home on Ballenger Lane around 6 p.m., Tuesday.
Marier says the dog, a Shiba Inu named "Breenie," charged him, so he grabbed it by the throat and shook it violently. Investigators say Marier pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed the animal five times.
The dog's owner says the Breenie never charged Marier, only sniffed him. Deputies said Mariner had no injuries or bite marks.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Marier was elected to the school board in 1994. He served one-term after being defeated in his 1998 re-election bid.
Marier was additionally charged with carry a concealed weapon in the commission of a felony. He was released after posting $6,500 bond.
