Dog neglect, 10 seized, groomer charged
Keizer, OR (US)Incident Date: Friday, Dec 15, 2006
County: Marion
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged: Gwendolyn Carol Johnson
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Officials escorted several terriers off a Keizer woman's property Dec 15 afternoon after investigators discovered the dogs were poorly cared for and in deteriorating health.
Marion County dog control officers and Keizer police officers removed 11 dogs from the home on Harmony Drive NE. The property also had a business: Gwen's Dog and Cat Grooming.
One dog was released to its owner, who arrived during the investigation. The owner had dropped off the dog earlier in the day to be groomed.
The other 10 dogs were taken to the Willamette Humane Society.
Gwendolyn Johnson, 60, was arrested by Keizer police for 10 counts of second-degree animal neglect. She was taken to the Marion County Correctional Facility.
Under state law, animals must be given care sufficient to preserve health and well-being.
Investigators found dogs in cages on the property. Some cages were filled with urine and feces. The dogs appeared to be poorly cared for and in deteriorating health, Keizer police said.
Johnson told police that she does not own the 10 dogs that were removed. She told police she "takes these dogs from individuals who no longer want them and would provide care for them until she could find new owners for them."
The Earls, who live across the street from Johnson, described her as quiet and private. They were surprised to learn about the neglect charges.
"I don't know what happened," Sharon Earl said. "I don't think they are bad people. I think they probably came on some bad times."
She said the situation is unfortunate.
"I feel sad," Earl said. "I feel sorry. I hope they are OK, but I am also sorry about the animals."
Another neighbor, Jeff Smith, said he thought the house was abandoned because he never saw people around it.
Police were alerted to the situation by a resident who complained that dogs were being kept in an outbuilding at the property. The person told police he was concerned for the welfare of the animals because he had not seen anyone come to or from the outbuilding all week, according to Keizer police.
Kimberly Mounts, a communication specialist for the Willamette Humane Society, said the dogs were being evaluated, photographed and cleaned. It would take several days.
"Each animal (has fur that) is matted and has to be checked for health and any skin conditions," she said.
Case UpdatesThe Willamette Humane Society has evaluated 10 dogs that were surrendered Friday by Gwendolyn Johnson, who was arrested by Keizer police for second-degree animal neglect.
Julie Rowley of Companion Pet Clinic North examined the dogs, and David's Pet Grooming cleaned and groomed them. All of the dogs were infested with fleas and showed signs of dental problems and skin conditions, including open sores and rashes. They are being treated.
The dogs are not available for adoption at this time. Each dog is undergoing temperament evaluation, receiving basic vaccinations and being scheduled for spay/ neuter appointments. | Source: Statesman Journal - Dec 19, 2006
Update posted on Dec 20, 2006 - 3:01PM |
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