Rabbit pulled, thrown, resulting in death
Hillsboro, OR (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Apr 25, 2006
County: Washington
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Rebecca Lee Anderson
A Hillsboro woman accused of aggravated animal assault for allegedly killing a pet rabbit in front of its owners April 25 will be remanded to the Department of Human Services for psychological evaluation, a Washington County judge declared Monday.
Judge Thomas Kohl ordered Rebecca Lee Anderson, 41, to undergo a mental health evaluation within 60 days at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem. Her trial, scheduled for June 21, will be delayed as per state statute, he said. A status conference on Anderson's competence to stand trial was scheduled for Aug. 2.
According to court documents, the charge of aggravated animal abuse can be enhanced if it is committed in the sight of minor children. Anderson also has a potential problem with a probation violation, said Deputy District Attorney Gina Skinner.
"I am finding there is good cause to withhold this matter," including the probation matter, Kohl said during a brief courtroom appearance.
According to Hillsboro police reports, Anderson allegedly approached a family who were playing with a pet rabbit 300 block of Southeast Maple Street.
According to witness reports, the mother saw Anderson approaching and told her children to go inside. At the same time, she placed the pet rabbit in its pen. Anderson allegedly took the rabbit out of its pen and began pulling it in different directions before throwing it to the ground, killing it.
She left the scene on foot but was located by officers a short distance away and taken into custody, said HPD Lt. Michael Rouches.
Anderson is a small woman, just over five feet tall. She walked Friday with a noticeable limp, and made her appearance Monday in a wheelchair. References« OR State Animal Cruelty Map
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