Deschutes County Deputies Rescue 46 Dogs From Alleged Puppy Mill as Owner Faces Animal Neglect Charges

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. — A 62-year-old Alfalfa woman, Lorinda Maxwell, who is alleged to have been breeding and selling dogs and puppies from her home, has been charged with 49 felony counts of second-degree animal neglect.

A Woman Was Arrested After a Search Warrant of Her Property

Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) executed a search warrant of her premises on Elk Lane on September 5 after Maxwell had refused to hand over the dogs voluntarily.

The search was conducted after law enforcement received a report from a woman who had bought a dog through the website, rescueme.org. She contacted the DCSO, expressing her concerns about the animal’s health.

Lorinda Maxwell operated a business known as Kameo Poodles from her Alfalfa property, where DCSO deputies and animal control technicians suspect she was operating a puppy mill.

Forty-four dogs were seized by the DCSO Animal Control, and Maxwell voluntarily surrendered two additional dogs and three cats.

There Was a Strong Smell of Ammonia and Dogs Were Living on Soiled Blankets and Filthy Crates

Officers found standard, miniature, and toy poodles, as well as two litters of puppies, living in unhealthy and filthy conditions inside the home. Animal Control reports that they detected a strong smell of ammonia and that many of the dogs were living on soiled blankets or in dirty crates.

Many of the animals needed medical care and grooming.

Humane Society Appeals for Donations to Help Care for the Animals

The animals are in the care of the Humane Society of Central Oregon, where they will remain, pending the outcome of the case. The organization is appealing for financial assistance as its kennels are now running at double capacity. Caring for the 46 dogs and three cats requires substantial resources.

The organization states that the best way to help is to adopt or foster an available dog (this does not include those taken from Maxwell’s home), or to make a donation. Details can be found on their website at www.hsco.org.

The DCSO is also appealing to the public to offer information if they have any knowledge of the case or have bought an animal from Kameo Poodles or Lorinda Maxwell by calling 541-693-6911.

Maxwell is lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.