Over 30 Toy Aussies Rescued After Fire Reveals Hidden Neglect
What started as 12 neglected toy Australian Shepherds rescued from one home quickly turned into more than 30, leaving the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) scrambling to make space.
Bend Fire & Rescue had initially responded to a property on Tumalo Reservoir Road to put out a fire. While there, firefighters noticed multiple dogs living in filthy conditions and requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Benn Smith responded to the scene and found the dogs inside the home, which was covered with animal waste.
The owner David De Persio, 38, voluntarily surrendered the 12 dogs to the deputy, according to a press release from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Persio was cited for Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, a charge elevated to a Class C Felony under Oregon law because more than 11 animals were involved.
The surrendered dogs were “generally healthy but under-socialized.” When they arrived at the shelter, they were given full medical examinations and care. Little did HSCO know at the time that they would need to mobilize “all hands on deck” shortly after, when 21 more dogs from the property arrived—this time including puppies as young as 1.5 weeks old.
HSCO received a text at 9:30 p.m. that Bend Animal Control was en route with more dogs, taken from the same owner and found on an adjacent property. The Sheriff’s Office became aware of the additional dogs after tips from neighbors and by noticing that the man had allegedly posted puppies for sale on Facebook.
“Our team jumped into action, triaging each dog, making sure they had food and water. The puppies ate hungrily,” HSCO wrote on Facebook. “We reunited the youngest pups with a nursing mama, who soon began grooming and snuggling them, giving the comfort and nourishment they desperately needed. By 1 a.m., every animal was safe in a clean kennel, with full bellies and fresh water.”
With the influx of Toy Aussies, the shelter is now over capacity. The puppies will remain with HSCO until they are old enough to be adopted.
All the dogs have since been evaluated by veterinarians. HSCO wrote, “Some arrived emaciated, dehydrated, and in fragile condition. For the smallest and most vulnerable, their prognosis is guarded, but they are finally safe, warm, and in expert hands. Because of their size, age, and health, most will not be ready for adoption for at least four weeks. Some will need even longer.”
To help make room, the shelter extended its 50% off adoption fee promotion for all currently available animals. A few days after the rescue operation, HSCO thanked everyone for the heartwarming response they received.
HSCO wrote, “The interest in adopting the Toy Australian Shepherds has been overwhelming. After receiving hundreds of inquiries, visitors and submitted questionnaires, HSCO is no longer accepting adoption questionnaires (applications) for the Toy Australian Shepherds.”
For those who can’t adopt, donations can be made to support the care of these dogs and others at www.hsco.org