An emaciated dog named Juno, rescued by OHS six years ago, has helped achieve a major legal victory for animal advocates in Oregon. A June 16 ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court (read the ruling here) turned aside the owner’s attempt to suppress a blood sample taken by OHS. The owner argued that Juno was personal property and that OHS had no right to take Juno’s blood without first obtaining a search warrant.
In rejecting that argument, the Oregon Supreme Court cited Oregon’s strong laws mandating that owners provide minimum care for animals. When an animal is legally seized and there is probable cause to suspect abuse or neglect, said the court, authorities are within their power to obtain a blood sample without the need for a search warrant. Juno, who was significantly underweight when seized by OHS, went on to regain his health and was subsequently adopted. The owner was later convicted of neglect.
The case began when an OHS officer, responding to a complaint of neglect, seized Juno after observing the dog’s poor physical condition. Juno was then taken to OHS, where an OHS veterinarian took a blood sample that showed Juno’s emaciated condition was due to underfeeding.
“This ruling removes what could have been a major roadblock to cruelty investigations,” said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon. “We applaud the court for recognizing the special status of animals under Oregon law.”
What happened to Juno? Was he able to be adopted?
It says above that yes, he was adopted.
“Juno, who was significantly underweight when seized by OHS, went on to regain his health and was subsequently adopted”
Glad Juno is okay. Juno looks very much like our rescue pup. What does OHS think Juno’s breeds are?