Help deputies find man accused of punching 5-month-old puppy, throwing her against tree



LEWIS COUNTY -- A man accused of hitting his 5-month-old puppy during a drunken rage, leaving her with a red and swollen eye has been on the run for too long, authorities say.

"He actually took his fist and punched the dog in the face and later thrown the dog against a tree," said Lewis County Undersheriff Rob Snaza.

Deputies took Abby, a German Shephard and lab mix, to the vet.

Authorities later arrested Jesse Pegram -- who bailed out and hasn't been seen since. He was charged with Animal Cruelty in the 1st Degree, a felony.

"Just a defenseless puppy, had absolutely nothing to do with making him angry. She was just there when he was mad and he took out his anger and his frustrations on her for no reason," said Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer.

Deputies think Pegram is living in Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington.



Will Halstead adopted Abby three years ago. He says she is extremely smart and very social and his kids love her.

"She appears to be normal. She doesn't seem to have any lasting effects. At least I'm hoping she doesn't remember it," said Halstead.

If you know where deputies can find Jesse Pegram, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. All calls are confidential and there is a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his arrest.