An additional 21 Toy Australian Shepherds are Surrendered in Tumalo

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says an additional 21 Toy Australian Shepherds were surrendered by a Tumalo man for a total of 33 dogs. A dozen dogs were originally surrendered on Sunday Aug. 3. The rest of the dogs were surrendered this past Monday, Aug. 11. The owner is facing a Class C Felony charge of Animal Neglect II. The Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Jason Carr says the charge will be per dog for a total of 33 counts of Animal Neglect. Carr says an additional charge of Interfering with a peace Officer may also be added.

Some of the puppies were reunited with a nursing mother at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Courtesy Deschutes Co. Sheriff’s Office

A post on the Deschutes County Sheriff’s facebook page says the man hid the 21 dogs on a property next door to the original location. At least 15 of the dogs are puppies. Carr says the dogs’ owner inherited the property and dogs from his father a couple of years ago. He says there have been past complaints about the owner, but none were elevated to the seizure of animals or criminal charges. The dogs were found when Bend Fire & Rescue firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on the property Aug, 2 and noticed the dogs and feces throughout the house and in the basement. They called to have a deputy assist and check on the welfare of the dogs. No other animals were found on the property.

HCSO says it’s in desperate need of donations. Courtesy Humane Society of Central Oregon

Carr says while the deputy observed feces throughout the house, the dogs did have food and water and were generally in decent health. None looked malnourished. They were dirty and needed bathed. There was also an outdoor kennel on the property.

The dogs were taken to the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Most of the dogs were lacking socialization and unsure of humans and human touch. Eight of the original dogs were adopted last week. HSCO is currently evaluating the dogs dropped off this week. HSCO’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Lynne Ouchida, says the shelter is overwhelmed with dogs and its kennels are full. She’s says they need people to adopt and donate to help with medical expenses, foster homes and simple things like dog treats and hot dogs which are used to disguise dog medications. You can click here for more information.