Accused Estill Co. search & rescue dog killer in court

ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) —  The man accused of shooting and killing an Estill County Search and Rescue bloodhound went before a judge Wednesday morning.

The dog, Hunter, was found dead early last week shot to death just a short distance from his owner’s house and near Charles Collins’ property, police say.

The dog was a member of the Estill County Rescue Squad, having helped the team successfully find several missing people.

His owner, David Conrad, says Hunter’s done a lot of good in his short time.

In court, the defense asked for the judge to drop the charges, claiming Hunter had gotten into Collins’ chickens and that he hadn’t known he was a service dog.

A state trooper told the court a witness, who didn’t want to be named, saw everything.

The witness said Collins told the witness that he knew the dog was a “cadaver dog”.

The judge denied the defense’s motion and sent the case to a grand jury.

Conrad says he was relieved. “To see it’s going to a grand jury is some relief for us, ya know he’s not gonna get away with this. It’s gonna be a long drawn out process I know but hopefully we can get some justice.”

The defense also says Hunter attacked Collins.

Conrad wasn’t buying it.

“Hunter wouldn’t attack nobody he would lick you to death, I mean he wanted to love on you but he wouldn’t attack you.”

The courtroom was packed with people showing support for Hunter and several other rescue dogs waited outside, also showing their support.

“All the rescue squads and organizations and stuff we’re a family and Hunter was apart of that family so they’re all here to show their support and I appreciate it,” says Conrad.

Even Hunter’s mom and dad were able to make it for the hearing.

“And that meant a lot for them to be able to be here,” says Conrad. “They drove a little over three hours to get here but they’re here.”

Conrad says Hunter’s half brother, Tuff, was donated to the squad at the courthouse.

In February, Conrad is getting a new pup who is also Hunter’s brother.

Collins will face a grand jury sometime in February.