Troutdale man faces charges for kicking 12-week puppy

A Troutdale man was arrested Monday afternoon, Aug. 19, after video showed him abusing a 12-week-old rottweiler-bull terrier puppy.

Merlyn Christopher Blair, 25, was booked in the Multnomah County Detention Center where he faces second-degree animal abuse and second-degree disorderly conduct. He was released on his own recognizance and was arraigned Tuesday, Aug. 20.

At about 1:50 p.m. Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call about the animal abuse at an apartment complex in Troutdale. Upon arrival they spoke with witnesses and watched video evidence of the abuse.

That graphic video showed Blair kick the puppy while it was trying to relieve itself on grass, causing it to whimper and yelp in pain, before he violently yanked the leash hard enough to lift all four of the dog’s paws off the ground.

The kick was strong enough to send the puppy several feet.

Later, after learning he had been reported to apartment management, video shows Blair approach the witness’ door and “forcefully” kick it. That spurred the 911 call.

The abused puppy, named Bruno, did not require medical attention. Initially the dog was placed with Blair’s girlfriend, but the day of his arraignment deputies secured a warrant to remove Bruno from the couple and pass him along to Multnomah County Animal Services.