Tualatin Man Arrested for Aggravated Animal Abuse for Killing His Dog

Tualatin officers arrested Jacob Moffitt for Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree.

(TUALATIN, OR) - On March 14, 2013 at about 1:00PM, Tualatin Police were called to the Rivercrest Meadows Apartments in Tualatin for a call of a suspicious circumstance. Officers were summoned to the scene on a report of a large dog that was found dead in the dumpster.

Upon arrival, officer located a large Labrador retriever dead in a dumpster of the complex. Tualatin officers requested the assistance of Washington County Animal Services to attempt to locate the dog's owner.

Officers were able to determine that the dog had been "chipped" meaning that the owner had a microchip implanted under the dog's skin to help locate and identify the dog. Officers were able to use the information obtained from the microchip to locate the owner, who lived at the apartment complex.

Officers located the owner of the dog, and were able to speak with him about the dog. The dog's owner, Leroy Jacob Moffitt, 43, of Tualatin admitted to officers that he used a hatchet to kill the dog earlier on the day. The motive for the killing is not being released. Officers were able to determine the dog was 13 years old.

Tualatin officers arrested Mr. Moffitt for Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree. He was lodged in the Washington County Jail. A booking photo may be available from the Washington County Sheriff's Office at a later date.

Tualatin Police want to remind pet owners to contact Animal Services, their Veterinarian, Pet Rescues or local Animal Shelters if they need assistance with their pets.