Boiler Bay Beacon
LINCOLN CITY — Lincoln City Police detectives arrested Nicholas Mumma July 28 on charges of animal abuse in the second degree following new information provided by a previously unidentified witness, the department said.
Mumma was booked into the Lincoln County Jail. Court records indicate he faces animal abuse charges related to an incident involving a German shepherd named Elyon. The dog is now in the care of Lincoln County Animal Services.
The charges stem from a July 10 incident in which Mumma allegedly used a training method that involved repeatedly slamming Elyon to the floor about 20 times. Video circulating online shows the dog whimpering and bystanders expressing concern. Police said the new witness information, received Monday, was key to developing probable cause.
The arrest marks a significant shift after months of community complaints and earlier findings by investigators that no probable cause existed.
In a July 18 statement, the Lincoln City Police Department addressed an online campaign that included doxxing, harassment and threats related to alleged animal care issues involving a local man. The department reported receiving 21 complaints over nine months, many secondhand from online videos. Officers had physically evaluated the dog five times and found it uninjured. Lincoln County Animal Services deputies conducted multiple investigations. At that time, no probable cause for a crime was established. Police urged residents to think critically about social media and warned against violence or conspiracy to commit violence.
On July 23, with the owner’s consent, a veterinarian examined Elyon and found him in good physical health with no injuries. Historical veterinary records also showed no prior findings of injury or abuse, according to police. After reviewing witness statements, citizen-provided video, online video and contact with the owner, Lincoln City Police and a Lincoln County Animal Services deputy determined there was no probable cause for animal abuse charges. Police noted that conditions allowing impoundment under Oregon Revised Statute 609.090 did not apply to the complaints.
Public pressure continued. Supporters organized under the name Justice for Elyon and held a peaceful protest near the Lincoln City Police Department in late July, with participants holding signs and calling for a full investigation. Community members also spoke during public comment at the Lincoln City Council meeting on July 27 about concerns over the dog’s treatment by a local trainer. Some alleged Mumma acquired the dog under false pretenses and had alternately described training him as an emotional support animal and for more aggressive roles.
The organizer of the Justice for Elyon group contacted the Boiler Bay Beacon, and shared computer-aided dispatch reports documenting prior police contacts with Mumma that did not result in arrest.
In its July 28 update, the Lincoln City Police Department said the animal associated with the charges is under the care of Lincoln County Animal Services. Detectives encourage anyone with information or video evidence to contact police directly to help validate sources for evidentiary purposes.
Those with information may contact Lincoln City Police Dispatch at 541-994-3636.
Mumma has not entered a formal plea in the case. Under Oregon law, second-degree animal abuse is a Class B misdemeanor that can carry up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both, along with a mandatory five-year prohibition on owning or possessing domestic animals upon conviction. He was released from the Lincoln County Jail Wednesday.
The case remains under active investigation.
