Sheriff’s deputies in rural Oregon seized 18 deceased frozen puppies from a residence believed to have been used as food for pet snakes. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office acted on a tip last week, obtaining a search warrant for the property. They had received reports of a resident freezing litters of puppies for this gruesome purpose.
Deputies discover frozen puppies allegedly meant for pet snake
Following a tip-off, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office secured a search warrant for a property north of Portland last week, as USA Today reports. They suspected a resident of freezing litters of puppies for snake consumption. Subsequently, investigators discovered the frozen remains of 18 puppies during the search.
Soon after, the sheriff’s office confirmed they were promptly conveyed to the Oregon Humane Society. There, they will undergo examination to ascertain the cause of their demise.
Additionally, investigators discovered several snakes on the premises. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife took one of them. However, the rationale behind the seizure of only one snake remains unclear, as does its current status and whereabouts.
According to a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office, the Columbia County District Attorney’s office under Joshua Pond is deliberating potential charges in the case.
Pond conveyed that the incident remains under investigation. He emphasized that authorities have not formally brought forward any charges thus far. “We are taking this matter very seriously, and such behavior simply cannot be allowed or tolerated,” he said. Furthermore, he expressed confidence in his office and local law enforcement to construct a robust case for prosecuting the responsible individual.
The search occurred on Friday, Mar. 22, at a rural property in Goble. It is an unincorporated community located 40 miles to the north of Portland. Hence, the discovery of frozen puppies in the area raises significant concerns about animal welfare and the treatment of domestic animals.
