Oregon Breeder Surrenders over 150 animals

Dogs, birds, horses and three kids discovered living in 'filth'

UPDATE: May 29--Breeders recieve a total of 91 counts of various animal cruelty charges. To read the story, Click here.

On April 24th, authorities in Gaston, Oregon received a call from someone who had made a trip out to a breeder’s property in hopes of buying a Chihuahua puppy. What that potential customer found at the property was not one happy litter of puppies—it was over 150 Chihuahuas, a few other dogs, some birds, horses and three kids living in absolute squalor. The breeder and grandmother, Carolyn Olhauser claims that a snafu in receiving benefits after her husband’s sudden death a few years earlier was the reason for her property and breeding business falling into disrepair.

Whatever the reason, the amount of feces seen in the home and on the property was enough for the Sheriff’s department to charge Olhauser with second-degree animal neglect, and to call the Department of Human Services. Olhauser also agreed to surrender her animals, which were taken to the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter. In total, authorities removed the three children, who are now reported to be living with another relative, plus approximately 150 Chihuahuas, several large-breed dogs, five exotic birds, and two horses. Click on the photo to view a slideshow from KGW.com.

Olhauser used the kennel name Olhauser’s Chihuahuas, and had at least one listing of dogs for sale at www.freedoglistings.com. There is also reference on the website www.infodog.com, to Olhauser showing her AKC-registered Chihuahuas. Infodog ironically claims it’s purpose is: “educating the general public about the need for continued canine health research, the promotion of quality and ethical breeding of purebred dogs, and the unethical operations of puppy mills.”

To read the full story and to see photos of the dogs, go to www.KGW.com

What You Can Do
To better understand the problem of puppy mills and the commercial pet industry, and what you can do about it, visit our Resources page.

To learn how you can help the dogs rescued from this situation, visit the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter’s website.

By Kelli Ohrtman: Best Friends Animal Society