Problem Solvers: La Pine-area man accused of striking dog with shovel pleads for other 2 dogs’ return; plea entry delayed
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man accused of striking his dog repeatedly with a shovel this spring was back in court Monday, still representing himself and claiming officials had violated his constitutional rights in several ways, including refusing to return his other two “emotional support” dogs.
John Coe Richardson, 75, was arrested in late April on a felony charge of first-degree animal abuse and a misdemeanor count of second-degree animal abuse after a neighbor’s video of his alleged assault on the dog spread widely on social media.
Since a judge allowed his release but not to possess any domestic animals while the case is pending, Richardson, a disabled veteran, has filed numerous motions alleging violation of his constitutional rights, a lack of communication and that his prior two defense attorneys failed to adequately represent him.
In the latest motion, filed Monday, seeking the return of his other two dogs, EV and Paco, he again claims they “were seized without lawful authority and are being wrongfully withheld.”
“The continued deprivation of these animals causes the defendant emotional distress because EV and Paco are bonded companions and emotional support animals,” he wrote.
“Your honor, I love my dogs and have cared for them for many years,” Richardson added. “I miss my dogs.” (You can read the full motion below.)
Appearing before Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alycia Herriott, Richardson asked to read in court the motion’s concluding prayer for the two dogs’ return and a “plea for justice.”
Richardson’s motions also have asked the judge to dismiss the charges, but Herriott told him, “I don’t have the ability to dismiss the case. That’s not going to happen unless the district attorney’s office makes that decision.”
Richardson said he has’t been able to hear since 1969 and claimed mental and physical duress due to combat injuries in the 1960s.
On Monday, the judge appointed Deschutes Defenders to represent Richardson and rescheduled his plea hearing for August 25th.