On Oct. 19, Jackson County Animal Services—on behalf of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office—reached out to Oregon Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement team to help with a disturbing case.
After serving a search warrant, they discovered several deceased animals, along with 10 dogs, who needed emergency medical care. More than 30 birds were also discovered on the property and OHS helped facilitate their transfer to specialized rescue groups. The dogs were transferred to a veterinary clinic by Jackson County Animal Services where they received urgent care and evidence could be collected.
The plan to transfer the 10 dogs to OHS after they were stabilized was put into motion. Second Chance team member Perla Ceh-Cocom drove the OHS transport vehicle to the area and worked with the team at Jackson County Animal Services to carefully load the dogs. They were emaciated, suffering from a painful skin disease, and had other medical conditions.
The dogs arrived at OHS Portland Campus and received immediate care from the medical, admissions, and animal care teams. Sadly, despite the team’s efforts, one dog passed away on their own.
The dogs are receiving extensive medical care, plus endless love and kindness. They have already shown their incredible resilience as they relish attention, food, and warm beds.
UPDATE: Jan. 30, 2023
The dogs rescued in Jackson County in October required individualized care to treat their medical conditions, which ranged from mange to dental decay to gastrointestinal issues. After receiving care from the medical team at OHS they were sent to stay with a foster families during their recovery period until they became healthy enough for adoption. On January 17, after nearly three months in a foster home, a 3 year-old hound-retriever mix named Mookie was the last to find her new loving family.
How You Can Help
Your donations support this lifesaving work and ensure that Oregon Humane Society can respond to pets in crisis at a moment’s notice.
OHS Humane Law Enforcement works all across Oregon on nearly 700 cases per year, including assisting local law enforcement agencies.
To report a crime involving animals or concerns about an animal’s care, call (503) 802-6707 or submit information online.
Press Release from Jackson County
Animal Abuse Discovered in Rural Rogue River Residence, 32 Animals Rescued
Oct. 21, 2022
Jackson County Animal Services Case 22-023556 / JCSO Case 22-6121
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Jackson County Animal Services Animal Control officers responded to a residence on October 19, 2022 for a report of a sick dog in the front yard. Upon arrival, Animal Control officers discovered multiple diseased, emaciated and neglected dogs in the residence along with two deceased dogs nearby in the same condition. Due to the severity of the dogs’ condition, Jackson County Animal Services requested assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s office.
Once JCSO responded, a search warrant was sought and granted for the property on the 6600 block of East Evans Creek Road in Rural Rogue River. Upon entry into the house, JCSO deputies and Animal Control officers discovered 10 dogs suffering from the same highly contagious condition, likely two different types of mange. The dogs were diseased, malnourished, and close to death. Living inside the residence were also 10 exotic birds in cages, and at least six cats. Outside of the residence investigators discovered a dead cat and another cage with six pigeons inside. JCSO deputies, Animal Control officers, Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers, a Community Services Deputy, and a local veterinarian employee rescued a total of 32 animals from the property.
The suspects, Michael Lee Hamilton, 71, and Debbie Lee Hamilton, 61, both of Rogue River, were charged with three counts of first-degree animal abuse, and 10 counts of second-degree animal abuse. This case is under further investigation. Jackson County District Attorney’s office will prosecute the case.
All of the animals were surrendered by the owner on scene. The exotic birds were initially collected and housed overnight at the Jackson County Animal Shelter and then were transferred to several local bird rescues. The dogs were all examined at Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center and a treatment plan was initiated for each of them. All of the living dogs will be transferred to the Oregon Humane Society in Portland where they will receive extensive medical care and rehabilitation. The cats that were removed from the home will be rehabilitated and evaluated for adoption once they are in better condition.
Jackson County Animal Services is thankful for the support of the rescue community that has allowed these animals to quickly start their journey toward recovery.
