The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) has been caring for more than 40 poodles rescued from a property in Alfalfa in early September. The dog’s owner, Lorinda Maxwell, is facing 49 counts of felony animal neglect. On Sept. 5, deputies and Animal Control Officers served a search warrant at Maxwell’s home on Elk Lane. Deputies rescued 44 dogs and three cats from the property, and Maxwell initially refused to surrender them voluntarily.
A civil forfeiture hearing regarding the dogs was scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10. However, the District Attorney’s Office informed the Sheriff’s office last week that Maxwell agreed to surrender ownership of all the poodles to HSCO, allowing for adoptions to move forward.
The dogs, ranging from young puppies to seniors, came to HSCO in very poor condition. Many were emaciated, severely matted, dirty, and suffering from untreated medical issues. Since their arrival, HSCO’s veterinary and shelter teams have provided daily, intensive care, including medical treatment, specialized diets, and safe housing. Staff and volunteers have stabilized the animals, provide socialization, and begin the process of rehabilitation.
“Seeing these dogs when they first arrived was difficult. Many were very thin, matted, and in need of care,” said Amber Kostoff, Executive Director of HSCO, in a news release. “Over the last month, our team has worked tirelessly to provide medical treatment, good nutrition, and comfort. Now, we’re grateful to be able to begin placing some of them into loving homes.”
Adoption Protocols
- First adoptions begin Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
- Additional poodles will become available in the coming weeks as they are medically cleared. While some poodles are now ready for adoption, more than a dozen remain under veterinary care and will not yet be available.
- Adoption fees: puppies under 6 months are $500; dogs 6 months to 9 years are $300; dogs 10 years and older are $150.
- To ensure fairness and safety, potential adopters may line up outside the shelter. Numbers will be distributed just prior to the shelter opening at 10 a.m. and small groups will be admitted in order of arrival.
- All poodles will be adopted out on a first come, first served basis.
- Special hours: On Saturday, October 4, HSCO will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon only.
Caring for such a large group of animals has placed a significant strain on HSCO’s space and resources, which are already stretched beyond capacity. The community can help by adopting animals who are ready for homes, fostering those still in recovery, or donating to offset the extraordinary medical costs of their care.
HSCO extends its gratitude to Deschutes County Animal Control and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in this case, which made it possible for these animals to begin new lives.
“Some of these Poodles are ready to take their next steps beyond the shelter, while many others still need time and care here with us,” said Kostoff. “It’s been a big effort to get them this far, and I know our community will continue to show up, as they always do, to make sure every one of these dogs has the chance to heal and find a family.”
Many of the animals will need ongoing medical treatment and care requiring significant funding. Secure donations can be made directly at hsco.org/donate.
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Regarding the news about the shutdown of the Poodle breeder in Alfalfa: What about the dogs that were NOT OWNED by the breeder? I will tell you! I have been trying to get MY dog back since I first heard about this debacle. (He was there temporarily to be shown by the breeder in AKC shows) I’ve called the shelter, the Sheriff and the District Attorney. Finally I heard (not notified by the Sheriff or the Shelter) – surprise! – they were starting to re-home the dogs so I called the Shelter, again. The manager told me that since the breeder’s lawyer released ownership of the dogs that meant that the breeder owned all of the dogs – which is NOT TRUE. The Shelter manager said they just decided to ‘not consider any claims of prior ownership’ since they were overwhelmed with dogs. If an owner shows up and retrieves their dog, that’s one less dog to place. If they will not bother to look at a purchase contract AND an AKC registration certificate showing me as owner, AND a Veterinarian’s record of the visit he had here at home, AND photos of him – then how carefully are they evaluating people who want to adopt these Poodles? Not very much, it seems to me. What is the criteria? Their checks clear the bank? I feel like they STOLE MY DOG. BEWARE OF THIS SHELTER!