Police: Man attacked dog with hatchet

A man in Orting has been charged with animal cruelty for attacking his neighbor’s dog with a hatchet.

According to police, Ricky Lee Knowles lured the golden retriever with treats before carrying out the vicious attack Wednesday afternoon.

When police arrived at Knowles home in the 1100 block of Williams St. NW, police found the animal “restrained and injured inside the garage.” Items taken into evidence include several pairs of pliers, a hammer, metal wire and twine.

“Neglect is always the hardest thing for us to see, but this had gone beyond neglect,” said Mike Lynch with the Sumner Veterinary Hospital, where Kona was treated for his injuries. “This was despicable.”

Lynch said the dog had a crushed skull and broken jaw, but was able to walk when it came into their facility and is now doing surprisingly well.

Orting police say Knowles had complained about the dog barking in the past. The veterinary clinic is looking into the possibility that Knowles had also been feeding the dog rat poison.