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A Portland resident will not be allowed to own dogs or cats for 15 years after pleading guilty on Friday to two animal neglect charges.
The charges come after years of complaints by a neighbor, Carolyn Myers.
Susan Long Pleaded Guilty to Two of 15 Counts
Fifteen counts of second-degree animal neglect were reduced when Susan Long (51) pleaded guilty to two counts. The initial charges related to 13 counts involving the dogs on her premises and two counts involving cats.
The animals were removed from her home on August 27 after a search stemming from complaints by neighbor Carolyn Myers.
For years, Myers had lodged complaints with the Multnomah County Animal Services but was told that the information and the photographs she provided were insufficient to instigate a search warrant.
However, when Myers showed the photographs to someone at the local dog park on August 22, her stalemate situation changed. The person she told is a prosecutor.
After reviewing the pictures and complaints, Senior Deputy District Attorney Mariel Moto stated that there was sufficient evidence to substantiate an animal abuse warrant.
A Stench of Feces and Urine from the Yard
Over the years, Myers expressed concerns about the emaciated and mangy condition of the dogs, the urine and feces stench from the yard, and the incessant barking.
After a search of Long’s property by members of the Portland Police Bureau, 13 dogs and two cats were seized.
They described the stench inside the house as ‘excessive’, while a veterinarian stated in court records that the dogs needed medical attention because of neglect.
The animals were admitted to a Multnomah County shelter and the Oregon Humane Society.
As part of her sentence, Long will remain on probation for four years, must obtain a psychological evaluation, and attend 16 hours of educational classes about animal abuse. Long has also been instructed not to contact her neighbor, and the court ruled that she cannot own dogs or cats for the next 15 years.
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