PORTLAND, Ore. — Following the search-and-seizure warrant that was executed Tuesday for a home in the Portland's Lents neighborhood, 15 animals were taken, now leaving neighbors fearful of retaliation from their owner.
Some people in the neighborhood said they made several complaints to animal services over the last few years. Nothing was ever done until this week — when the district attorney got involved.
One neighbor said they would hear the cats fighting with one another or other neighborhood cats almost every night, and the dogs would bark all hours of the day. They said they didn't even know if they ever saw the dogs being walked during the years they lived there.
“It’s hard for me to believe that an animal in that condition is being well taken care of and is in a productive environment for their health and safety," said the same neighbor.
The Portland Police Bureau said thirteen dogs and two cats were taken from the home. The dogs were found to be neglected and living in unsanitary conditions. They also found that many of the animals were stacked in cages.
No neighbors were willing to appear on camera because they said they were worried the owner of the animals would retaliate against them.
“There was a threat made — that someone was going to get what was coming to them for reporting what was going on in the house with those animals," said another neighbor.
Some neighbors said they could smell an odor when they would walk in front of the house and often heard the owner screaming at the dogs.
Another neighbor said although it's been reported for years, nothing ever happened: "Animal control has been contacted throughout the past seven years who said, 'Yeah, it’s neglect and abuse, but not enough for us to get a warrant.'"
The same neighbor who also wished to remain anonymous, said nothing was ever done until the district attorney was involved and shown photos of the animals.
Along with PPB and the DA’s Strategic Prosecution Unit, animal services and the Oregon Humane Society were also on scene.
In a statement, OHS wrote:
"Since this is an active investigation, any questions regarding the case should be directed to Portland Police Bureau.
Oregon Humane Society is providing support on this case including forensic expertise and evidence documentation, and the care and housing of the animals.
OHS is grateful for the collaboration with Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and Multnomah County Animal Services."
The woman who owns the animals told KGW that although she knows it "sounds bad," she claimed she would never abuse her animals, and all the dogs were kept indoors, aside from one, which she kept in the garage due to behavioral issues with the other dogs.
She said she had so many dogs because some of them had puppies, and she had been looking for homes for them with no success.
However, some neighbors said she had multiple litters.
On Friday morning, the owner, 51-year-old Susan Long, was arraigned on 15 counts of second-degree animal neglect, the Multnomah County District Attorney's office said.
Currently, Long is prohibited from being in possession of any animals.
KGW also reached out to the Multnomah County Animal Services to learn more but is waiting to hear back.