Problem Solvers: La Pine-area man charged with animal abuse as Humane Society cares for victim dog, 2 companions

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A La Pine-area man was formally charged Friday with aggravated animal abuse for hitting his dog with a shovel as photos of his three seized dogs were shared with KTVZ's Problem Solvers.

The victim dog, Hooch, and John Coe Richardson's other two dogs, Evie and Paco, were seized Wednesday when Deschutes County sheriff's deputies arrested Richardson in the La Pine Post Office parking lot.

KTVZ's Problem Solvers broke the story on our 11:00 p.m. Tuesday newscast after a neighbor's video of the alleged beating went viral on social media, prompting numerous calls for action.

Court records show Richardson was granted conditional release from the Bend jail on Friday as he was charged with first-degree aggravated animal abuse, a Class C felony, and second-degree animal abuse, a Class B misdemeanor. He's scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on May 20.

The charging document alleges Richardson "did unlawfully and knowingly torture an animal," and injured Hooch "by use of force."

The standard conditional release form signed by Richardson did not address issues regarding animal possession.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels told KTVZ News, "He was released by the jail based on release criteria that they are required to follow. We will ask the judge to address release conditions when he comes to court on May 20, which will be the first time in this case that he will be in front of a judge."