The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says deputies rescued 23 Pit Bull Mixes from a property in Redmond. Nineteen puppies were suffering from heat exhaustion. On Monday, Aug. 11, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of animal neglect involving the dogs at a property in the 3100 block of NE O’Neil Way, according to a post on the Sheriff’s facebook.
Animal Control Technician Michelle White responded and located four adult dogs and 19 puppies, approximately 6–8 weeks old. The Pit Bull mixes were found in metal wire crates covered with thick blankets, and the temperature on Monday reached 100 degrees.
Sergeant Aaron Harding and Deputies Michael Dolan and Dean Marshall arrived to assist. The dogs were panting heavily and showing signs of heat exhaustion. The two owners of the dogs were not home at the time and deputies could not reach them by phone. Due to the immediate danger to the animals’ health, deputies removed the most vulnerable puppies — some found crawling in dirt in direct sunlight — and placed them in an air-conditioned patrol vehicle. All 23 dogs were transported to BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond.
Shelter staff took immediate action to cool the puppies by providing fresh water, increasing air circulation with box fans, and applying cooling compresses. Staff documented that the puppies’ body temperatures ranged from 103 to 104.7 degrees, consistent with heat exhaustion. The puppies survived and are now doing well.
The owners later contacted deputies and agreed to surrender all the dogs. Both are facing 23 counts of Animal Neglect.
Members of the public who want to support or are interested in giving these dogs a safe, loving home can learn more about the adoption process, volunteering, or ways to give by visiting BrightSide Animal Center at 1355 NE Hemlock Ave. in Redmond, calling (541) 923-0882, or going online to www.brightsideanimals.org. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
This article appears in the Source Aug 14, 2025.
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