Two Bend men facing animal abuse charges

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Friday he’s charged two Bend residents, Ethan Allen Buck and Glen William Lacoss, with the felony crime of first-degree aggravated animal abuse for separate attacks on a cat and dog.

Buck, 23 is alleged to have severely beaten his girlfriend’s 7-year-old lab, Chevy, on April 3rd.

In a news release, Hummel said, “The evidence indicates Buck became upset with Chevy and picked her up over his head and slammed her on the ground and began kicking her in the ribs.

“He then grabbed her by the neck and scolded her and she bit him. He then began punching her in the face while holding her neck. Chevy suffered serious injuries including broken ribs and a collapsed lung.’

In the other case, reported earlier this week by NewsChannel 21, Hummel said, “The evidence indicates that Lacoss, 55 years old, did not like the fact his neighbor’s cat, Sweetie, came into his yard.

“He responded by setting up a snare and trapping Sweetie. The evidence indicates he then hung Sweetie over the fence from her neck. Markings on the fence indicate Sweetie struggled before she was hanged to death. Lacoss said he thought he had a right to do this to the Sweetie because she was in his yard. “

Hummel said, “Buck and Lacoss are presumed innocent and entitled to their day in court. However, my office will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law and if they are convicted, we will seek a significant penalty.”

Lacoss’s and Buck’s cases will be presented to a grand jury prior to their next court hearings next Wednesday, Hummel said.