On December 1, 2012, Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to 1107 Nichols Lane in Forest Grove. It was reported that two days earlier Michael Burns, 45, killed the family’s Golden Retriever.
[Another article says the dog was a Golden Retriever - Labrador mix.]
Investigators learned that Burns had an altercation with the dog inside the house and cut the dog’s throat with a knife.
[Washington County sheriff's Sgt. Vance Stimler says Burns contends he killed the dog in self defense after it attacked him when he tried to correct it for defecating in the house. Stimler says sheriff's officers don't feel the evidence supports that account.]
A family member contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report the incident. Deputies began collecting evidence and interviewing people with knowledge of the incident.
On December 8, 2012, deputies arrested Mr. Burns and charged him with First Degree Aggravated Animal Abuse.
Today, a Washington County Grand Jury indicted Michael Burns on First Degree Aggravated Animal Abuse, First Degree Animal Abuse, and Second Degree Animal Neglect.
Burns will remain out of custody and has a pre-trial court date set for February 4, 2013.
(Albany Tribune - Jan 11, 2013)
