Waroona man pleads not guilty to shooting and killing his partner’s three pet dogs in 2016

A 55-year-old Waroona man accused of shooting and killing his partner’s three pet dogs will fight the charges. Lesley George Murdock appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 9 and pleaded not guilty to a string of charges which will be indicted to the District Court. The charges included five counts of discharging a firearm to cause fear, three counts of criminal damage, two counts of threatening to kill another, and three counts of doing an act that put the life and safety of another at risk. It is alleged on August 9, 2016 in Benger, Mr Murdock shot three pet dogs in the head, using a 0.22 Hornet Centrefire rifle, causing their immediate deaths. It is understood the dogs belonged to Mr Murdock’s partner at the time, with police further alleging the man made threats to kill the woman that same day. It is unknown why the accused was allegedly in possession of the firearm, and the circumstances resulting in the eventual death of the animals. Mr Murdock also faced three related charges of common assault, and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, which are set to remain in the Magistrates Court, with no pleas taken at this stage. The man has been released on bail with strict instructions not to come within 100m of the victim and her place of residence and employment, along with reporting to Bunbury Police Station once a week. He is due to reappear for a trial listing hearing in June.