BALTIMORE (AP) — Attorneys for a Baltimore police officer accused of slitting a dog’s throat after it bit a pregnant woman have asked prosecutors to reconsider pursuing the case.

In a letter Wednesday to State’s Attorney Gregg Bernstein, Officer Jeffrey Bolger’s attorneys say he’s been unfairly characterized as killing the dog for “sport or pleasure.”

They say rather, the case “involves a grim task carried out dutifully by an officer who was protecting a member of the public.”

The Daily Record reports (http://bit.ly/1u3k1Xg ) that should prosecutors move forward, the letter asks Bernstein’s office to allow a grand jury to decide whether charges are appropriate.

A spokesman for Bernstein declined to comment.

Bolger pleaded not guilty last week to mutilating an animal, animal cruelty and misconduct in office. He’s set for trial in November.

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Information from: The Daily Record of Baltimore, http://www.mddailyrecord.com

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