Robert Leatherman, 51, of Bucoda, the owner of the allegedly abused dog, named Wolfy, and Jeffrey Gavin, 44, of Bucoda, the accused shooter of the dog, both appeared in front of Judge Anne Hirsch for arraignment.
 |
| Robert Leatherman was Wolfy's owner |
 |
| Jeffrey Gavin shot Wolfy |
Both were released on their promises to reappear, with the added condition that they report to jail to update their current addresses and get their fingerprints taken.
Neither of the men are currently allowed to own or possess any animals because of the nature of the charges.
Leatherman is being charged with first-degree animal cruelty, and Gavin is being charged with second-degree animal cruelty.
The charges were brought by the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office after months of additional investigation was conducted into the death of dog.
A necropsy showed the animal suffered “long-standing neglect” in life and also suffered in death after multiple shots to the head did not immediately kill it.
The necropsy revealed maggot-infested wounds and rocks in his stomach, an indication of starvation.
After a photograph of the dog was posted to social media, generating thousands of signatures on a petition to seek charges, the animal was taken outside of city limits and shot.
Leatherman and Gavin both asked for court-appointed attorneys. The next hearings were set for June 4, and trials are scheduled for July 22 in Thurston County Superior Court.
(The Chronicle - May 5, 2015)
Earlier:
No comments:
Post a Comment