LAPEER, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan judge has ordered a man to stand trial on animal cruelty charges for shooting his dog in the head with a crossbow. The dog survived.

Christopher Scott’s lawyer says his client was trying to kill the dog because it had killed another dog.

Lapeer County District Judge John Conover on Thursday ruled that there’s enough evidence to send the 28-year-old Goodland Township man to trial in circuit courts. His first appearance in trial court is scheduled Aug. 10.

The 65-pound black-coated mastiff-Labrador mix named Gemma was found wandering in March with an arrow lodged above the left eye. A veterinarian later removed the arrow.

The charge carries up to four years in prison.