Police Officer Indicted In Shooting Of Dog

A Washington County grand jury indicted Portland policeman John Hurlman on three counts of animal abuse and one of reckless endangerment Monday after he shot and killed a dog he claimed was threatening him.

Trial was set for Feb. 25.

Hurlman claims self-defense and pleaded innocent to the charges, all misdemeanors.

His lawyer, Steve Myers, contended it was Hurlman’s perception of what threat the dog might have posed that counts, even if the dog was known by his owner to be gentle.

One of the charges is first-degree animal abuse, which involves intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing death or injury to an animal.

Hurlman, 33, was off duty Sept. 18 when he shot and killed a 3-year-old yellow Labrador retriever named George. The incident has inspired heated debate among animals lovers.