Man arrested after video shows him abusing puppy: Multnomah County Sheriff

TROUTDALE, Oregon (KPTV) – On Tuesday, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said a man was arrested after he was caught on video abusing a puppy.

On Monday, Aug. 19, at around 1:50 p.m., officers responded to an animal cruelty call at a Troutdale apartment complex, the MCSO said. The caller described disturbing cruelty to a 12-week-old Rottweiler-Bull Terrier mix.

Police said they spoke to a witness and reviewed video evidence that showed a man, later identified as 25-year-old Merlyn Christopher Blair, abusing the puppy.

In the footage provided to FOX 12, a man can clearly be seen aggressively kicking the dog as it relieves itself in the grass and then violently tugging on the leash, causing all four of the dog's legs to lift off the ground.

SEE ALSO:

Police later said that after learning he had been reported to property management, he went to the witness' front door and kicked it in. The witness then called 911, police said.

Blair was arrested and taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center where he was charged with second-degree cruelty to animals and second-degree disturbing the peace. He was released and ordered to appear in court for arraignment on Tuesday.

Police said the puppy, named Bruno, did not require medical attention and was turned over to Blair's girlfriend when he was taken to jail. On Tuesday, MCSO officers obtained an arrest warrant and turned Bruno over to the care of Multnomah County Animal Services.

“This incident underscores the need for constant vigilance and swift action in combating animal cruelty,” the department said in a written statement Tuesday evening. “The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office urges people to report any suspected animal cruelty.”

All rights reserved.