Man, 75, gets jail time over dog abuse

HILLSBORO, Ore. - A 75-year-old Forest Grove man who buried his daughter's dog alive in the backyard last fall was sentenced to 120 days in jail Tuesday.

Hyrum Long was convicted of misdemeanor animal abuse of the 14-year-old yellow Labrador named Molly.

Police have said the dog was suffering from starvation, had sores from lying down for long periods and was infested with fleas prior to Long hitting it in the head with a hammer and burying it last October.

Long has said he was trying to put the dog out of its misery, and that he thought he had killed it.

Neighbors said they heard the dog crying for help and discovered it still alive. The dog was later euthanized at the Oregon Humane Society.

Long said his daughter could not afford to have the canine euthanized.

Before his sentencing in Washington County court on Tuesday, Long continued to defend his actions, telling KATU he didn't want to see the dog starve. But he agreed the way he tried to kill the canine was wrong and that he should have brought her to the pound.

"Oh sure, I done something wrong, yes," he said.

He also said he hoped the judge would be lenient and not send him to jail. He said he and his wife aren't well, and he needs to be home with her.

But Judge Rick Knapp showed little sympathy, calling what Long did to Molly "monstrous" and "barbaric."

The judge added that it was appalling that Long would go out to eat dinner after burying Molly. He could have spent that money to treat the dog's longterm illnesses or to help pay to put her down, Knapp said.

Long was also sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service.

Long's daughter, Susan Johnson, who is the dog's registered owner, has already served three months in jail in connection to the case.