Columbia man accused of mutilating dog as sacrifice
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Boone County Prosecutor's Office has charged a Columbia man accused of mutilating his dog as a sacrifice.
Brandon Harris, 37, is charged with a felony count of animal abuse as a second offense. Boone County Sheriff's Office deputies were sent to Harris' home in the 7300 block of Moberly Drive on June 7, according to court documents.
Investigators said a caller, identified as Harris, reportedly told dispatchers he had cut off his dog's paw as a sacrifice. Deputies who arrived at the home said the dog's paw was found in a box.
Investigators said the dog was found alive in the basement missing part of its front left leg and paw. Columbia Animal Control Supervisor Molly Aust said Friday that the dog was taken to a veterinary clinic at the University of Missouri and stabilized.
Aust said the dog's name was also switched from Buddy to Bennie to help give him a fresh start. Bennie was later taken to the Central Missouri Humane Society.
Doctors amputated Bennie's leg at the shoulder. He is in foster care while he recovers, Aust said.
Aust said a Boone County judge could determine Bennie's future at a June 30 hearing. She said the department has never lost one of these types of hearings.
A hearing is set for Wednesday. Harris remained in the Boone County Jail on Friday with no bond.
The case is the second one involving alleged dog sacrifice in Mid-Missouri this month. A Moberly woman was charged after allegedly killing a dog and burning it.
