When a call for help came from Lake County Sheriff’s Office in early February, our team quickly activated, traveling more than 250 miles and ten hours roundtrip to be there for animals who were suffering from suspected neglect. Less than two months later, a second request came in from Lake County: more animals needed urgent care.
Call to Action #1: February 5
Animals Rescued: 23
At the request of Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Humane assisted with the rescue of 17 dogs and six cats suffering from suspected neglect at a property in Christmas Valley. The rescue was part of a search warrant served by Lake County Sheriff’s Office following a weeks-long investigation into reports from concerned neighbors.
Sadly, three deceased puppies were also recovered at the site and transferred to Oregon Humane’s Animal Crimes Forensic Center for forensic necropsy. The remaining animals were brought to our Portland campus, where they immediately began receiving care.
Call to Action #2: March 18
Animals Rescued: 28
Just a few weeks later, Oregon Humane staff traveled to the area once again to assist with another rescue. This time 17 dogs, four cats, five birds, and two gerbils who were living in unsanitary conditions and lacking access to food and water were retrieved.
While the dogs and cats were transported back to Oregon Humane’s Portland Campus, the birds and gerbils were received by Humane Society of North Lake County.
“Cases like this are only successful through strong teamwork, coordination, and cooperation among partner agencies,” says Sheriff Daniel Tague, Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “…. Their collaboration was critical in ensuring these animals were safely removed and received the care they needed.”
Community Partnerships That Change Lives
In 2025, Oregon Humane Law Enforcement assisted other agencies more than 150 times and investigated nearly 800 cases. In these two cases alone 51 animals finally received the care they were desperately waiting for and most all of them have since been adopted and found new homes.
“Our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies are critical to helping animals who may be suffering from abuse or neglect,” “We are grateful to the team from Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work on these cases, and for reaching out to us to help animals who are suffering.”
says Chris Allori, Oregon Humane Chief of Humane Law Enforcement.
How You Can Help
Every donation helps ensure Oregon Humane can continue to say “yes” when the call for help arrives. With your support, we can continue to provide the highest quality care for animals who need us most.
