Oregon Man Admits To Purchasing And Killing A Puppy

Wilsonville, OR – Kevin Lee Slabaugh has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree aggravated animal abuse after claiming he stabbed a nearly 3-month-old black female Border Collie puppy to death. He turned himself into Clackamas County Sherriff deputies Sunday morning.

Slabaugh, 28, explained to a 911 dispatcher that he killed the animal the evening before with a large kitchen knife several hours after buying it from a pet store. He’d been under the influence of alcohol and prescription medications and was incapable of providing a motive. Authorities were able to verify that Slabaugh had purchased the animal for about $300 from a local Critter Cabana Pet Store.

While being questioned, Slabaugh repeatedly told deputies that he “bought it and killed it,” according to KATU.

A press release specified:

“Mr. Slabaugh showed the deputies where he had killed the puppy, as well as where he had hidden the dead body, the knife he had used in the crime, and the clothing he was wearing during the criminal incident.”

First-degree aggravated animal abuse in the state of Oregon, according to statute 167.322, means a person commits the crime when they maliciously kill an animal or intentionally or knowingly torture an animal. Aggravated animal abuse in the first-degree is a Class C felony. Slabaugh could face a fine up to $100,000 and or imprisonment up to 5 years. Initial bail was set at $15,000, and he will appear Monday in Clackamas County Circuit Court.

The Oregonian reports Slabaugh does not have a history of violent crimes. He was convicted of criminal mischief in Texas in 2005. He pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving in Multnomah County in 2006.

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