Man sentenced to prison for poaching, animal cruelty

A Longview man convicted of poaching and animal cruelty was sentenced in Wahkiakum County Superior Court this week.

Mickey Ray Gordon, 36, was accused of criminal trespass, malicious mischief, hunting bear, cougar, bobcat and lynx with the aid of a dog and animal cruelty dating back to January 2007.

According to court records, Gordon stomped and kicked a hunting dog while using two shock collars, one around the animal’s neck and the other around the animal’s genital area.

Judge Michael J. Sullivan told Gordon he is an aberration. “This individual should not be caring for the vulnerable. There is nobody more vulnerable in our society than animals. He has betrayed the trust to be even decent to the most vulnerable of life around us,” the judge said.

On the count of malicious mischief in the third degree, the judge imposed 45 days in jail and a $500 fine, plus restitution yet to be determined. On the charge of criminal trespass in the second degree, the judge imposed 10 days and a $250 fine. Charge three, hunting black bear, cougar, bobcat and lynx with the aid of dogs, the judge imposed 30 days and a $500 fine. On the count of animal cruelty in the first degree, the judge ordered Gordon to serve 13 months in prison plus a $1000 fine.

Judge Sullivan told Gordon he didn’t believe he deserved the mercy of the court.

“This is not just a cruelty to animal case. This is a torturing, cruelty to animal case.” There is no animal more loyal than a dog, he added.

The judge also restricted ownership of any pet for five years from the day of sentencing.