Dogs Rescued in Polk County

Dogs from Suspected Neglect Case Begin a New Life

On Sept. 23, 41 dogs were transported to Oregon Humane Society in partnership with Polk County Sheriff’s Office. On Oct. 8, our team received an emergency call and returned to the property to bring two additional dogs and 12 newborn puppies into our care.

We now have 55 dogs from this case in our shelters. Most of these dogs need extensive medical and behavior care—and we need your help.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the request of Polk County Sheriff’s Office, OHS assisted with the rescue of 41 dogs who were living in unsanitary conditions and suffering from suspected neglect.

OHS deployed a team of 12 experts to the scene including a forensic veterinarian, behavior specialists, and highly-skilled animal handlers. The animals were carefully transported back to OHS Portland Campus and are currently receiving care.

Due to the heavily-wooded area where these dogs were living, we were concerned that there could be additional dogs that we were not able to locate.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, our team received an emergency call and returned to the property to bring two additional dogs and 12 newborn puppies into our care.

The animals are not currently available for adoption. Please continue to check back here for updates on their progress and status.

Press Release from Polk County Sheriff’s Office

On 9/11/25, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office animal control deputy received a call regarding a stray puppy in poor health in the area of McCaleb Road, which is located just west of Monmouth, Oregon. Deputy Whiting was familiar with someone in the area that she’d had previous contacts with who owned dogs of the same breed as the puppy. She contacted the suspected owner, Ms. Jeanette Case, and during the subsequent investigation the Polk County Sheriff’s Office noted unsuitable living conditions and a lack of care standards for the animals in Ms. Case’s possession.

On 9/23/25 at approximately 8:30 AM, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and 12 members of the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) returned to 12900 McCaleb Rd Monmouth, OR, to conduct a large scale joint operation. In total, the team took possession of 41 large guardian mixed breed dogs that were lacking in socialization and care. Several of the dogs were borderline feral. While securing the scene, deputies located three one-day-old puppies discarded in random areas and were able to quickly get them removed from the unsafe conditions and taken from the scene for immediate care. It was later reported the puppies were doing well. Sadly, OHS staff located a fourth puppy that was deceased.

It should be noted, a search warrant was granted prior to the start of this operation, however, the owner chose to cooperate with the investigation and surrendered the animals to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

At this time, Ms. Case has been charged with Animal Neglect II. Further charges will likely be added after the case is reviewed by the District Attorney and all of the evidence, including veterinary examination records, can be collected as part of the investigation.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon Humane Society for assisting us with this operation. This would not have been possible without their help. OHS took custody of all 41 dogs and are currently providing all medical care and evaluations for the surrendered animals.  Their team of professional handlers and medical staff on scene, along with Deputy Whiting, showed great care and compassion for all of these animals.

At this time, the surrendered dogs will complete their medical evaluations and treatment prior to being temporarily placed with care providers in accordance with OHS policy. After being released by the District Attorney’s Office, the rehoming of these animals will be handled by OHS. If you would like to help with the care and medical costs of these animals, you can contact the OHS branch in Salem (503-285-7722) for instructions on how to make a contribution to their ongoing wellness journey.