A Portland man is scheduled to change his plea Wednesday in a case involving a husky that allegedly returned from a walk with an arrow lodged in its head. Prosecutors charged Edward Lysenko, 36, with first-degree aggravated animal abuse after the April shooting near Glenfair School.
The incident began April 30, when the dog’s owners were walking their animals near the school and their home, according to court documents reviewed by KATU. The owners said the dogs moved toward some bushes after growling, then one came back whimpering with an arrow protruding from its head.
One owner told police he suspected a neighbor after hearing voices outside the home and seeing the neighbor’s lights suddenly go dark. The neighbor was identified as Lysenko, who allegedly admitted shooting the dog but said he thought the animal was a wolf and was only trying to scare it away, KATU reported.
Responding officers said the husky was struggling to breathe and stand on its own, with a bloody injury and the arrow still lodged in its head. The dog was taken to DoveLewis for treatment and later discharged with medication and instructions for follow-up care.
Lysenko was arrested and charged in Multnomah County Circuit Court. His plea-change hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to court records, and available Oregon records cited in the report show no prior criminal history in the state.
What The Oregon Animal-Abuse Charge Means
Under Oregon law, first-degree aggravated animal abuse applies when a person intentionally or knowingly tortures an animal or causes serious physical injury or death. The Oregon Legislature classifies the offense as a Class C felony, with the precise facts and Lysenko’s claimed mistake likely to matter as the case moves forward.
The charge is an accusation, not a finding of guilt. Wednesday’s hearing should clarify whether Lysenko changes his plea or whether the case proceeds toward further court dates.
