An Oregon City man was convicted of animal neglect this week after OHS investigators responded to a report of a cat that was near death. The cat, Midnight, had sustained a severe injury that the owner had left untreated for approximately two weeks. Midnight had suffered a substantial wound near the base of the tail that eventually became infected and impaired his ability to walk. In addition to the infection, Midnight suffered from severe weakness and dehydration. He was brought to OHS for emergency care but was humanely euthanized the following day due to the severity of his condition.
Under Oregon law, individuals are required to provide veterinary care, along with food, water and shelter, for all animals they own or care for. During the trail, a member of the OHS medical team testified about Midnight’s condition and the results of a necropsy conducted at OHS.
After hearing the trial testimony, Clackamas County Judge Eve Miller found the cat’s owner, 35-year-old Sholto Keet, guilty of first degree animal neglect. He was sentenced to 18 months of probation, 80 hours of community service, restitution/fines and fees totaling $352, and a ban on possessing domestic animals for five years.
OHS Humane Special Agents investigate nearly 1,000 reports of criminal animal neglect each year. Animal neglect and abuse can be reported to OHS here.
