Attorney for dog-shooter says client will pay some of neighbor's fees

GIRARD — The attorney for Pastor David Murphy, who fatally shot his neighbor’s dog last year at his home in Vienna, said Murphy will pay “without hesitation” the $800 the dog’s owner paid to buy the dog and give him medical care after the shooting.

But, Atty. Gary Rich said, the law does not require the pastor to pay unrelated veterinary expenses, lost wages for the dog’s owner or compensation for the owner’s pain and suffering.

Rich and Atty. Samuel Bluedorn, representing the dog’s owner, Kimberly Ellis of Vienna, presented evidence this morning in Girard Municipal Court in a hearing aimed at determining the amount of “damages” Ellis should be paid for the loss of the dog, named Tucker.

The hearing was proceeded by a demonstration in front of the court with signs showing dissatisfaction for the way the killing has been handled and the laws governing such incidents.

Judge Jeffrey Adler said he will rule on the amount of damages within seven days.