PORTLAND, Ore. — Residents of Portland’s Lents neighborhood are expressing concerns for their safety after authorities seized 15 animals from a local home, citing neglect and unsanitary conditions. The action, which came after years of complaints, has left neighbors fearful of potential retaliation from the animals’ owner.
On Tuesday, a search-and-seizure warrant was executed at the residence, resulting in the removal of 13 dogs and two cats. Neighbors, who had been reporting issues for years, are frustrated that it took so long for authorities to intervene. It wasn’t until the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office became involved that significant action was taken.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the disturbing conditions in the home. “We would hear cats fighting every night, and the dogs would bark constantly. I don’t think I ever saw those dogs being walked in the years I’ve lived here,” the neighbor said. “It’s hard for me to believe that an animal in that condition is being well taken care of.”
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), the animals were found in squalid conditions, with many of them stacked in cages. Despite numerous complaints over the years, neighbors say authorities did not take action until this week.
Fear of retaliation is high in the neighborhood, with residents unwilling to speak on camera. One neighbor reported a direct threat from the animals’ owner, warning that someone would “get what was coming to them” for reporting the conditions.
“There was always a strong odor when you walked by the house, and we often heard the owner screaming at the dogs,” another neighbor recounted. Despite years of reporting these issues to animal control, no significant action was taken until photos of the neglected animals were shown to the district attorney.
The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) was also involved in the case, providing forensic expertise and caring for the rescued animals. In a statement, OHS expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the Portland Police Bureau, the district attorney’s office, and Multnomah County Animal Services.
The woman who owned the animals defended herself, telling KGW that while she acknowledges the situation “sounds bad,” she insisted that she never abused her pets. She claimed the dogs were kept indoors, except for one that was confined to the garage due to behavioral issues. She explained that she had been trying to find homes for the dogs, particularly the puppies, but had been unsuccessful.
However, neighbors dispute her account, with some alleging that the woman had multiple litters of puppies over the years.
As of Wednesday afternoon, police stated that charges of animal neglect are still pending. KGW reached out to Multnomah County Animal Services for further information but is awaiting a response.
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