Dog killing case moves to superior court

Lee Thurston

ROCHESTER - A brazen animal cruelty case that shocked the region has moved to Strafford County Superior Court.

The man accused of shooting and killing the family dog, Lee Thurston, 33, of 11 Sheridan Ave, Apt. B., waived his probable cause hearing at the last minute on Wednesday paving the way for his arraignment and indictment at the higher court.

Thurston was arrested March 3 telling police the dog had bitten a child who lived with him.

Thurston was charged with felony reckless conduct, felony cruelty to animals and unauthorized use of a firearm, a violation.

Police said they got the call around 6:20 p.m. and responded to the apartment where, after a brief investigation, they learned a 4-year-old boy had been playing with the dog inside the second floor apartment and received a puncture wound on the top of his head from being bitten by the dog.

Police say afterward the dog was placed in its kennel inside the apartment and Thurston then shot the dog with a high-caliber hunting rifle, killing the dog.

Frisbie EMS personnel checked the injured boy, but he was not transported and remained with his family.

Thurston was released on $5,000 PR bail and his probable cause hearing had been set for Wednesday.

It was still listed on the docket to be heard early Wednesday afternoon, but court personnel confirmed he had contacted the court during the day and waived probable cause.