Roseburg Man Faces 17 Animal Neglect Charges After Puppy Attack Leads to Breeding Raid
ROSEBURG, Ore. — Responding to reports of large dogs fighting a puppy in the backyard of 66-year-old Edward Andrew Whitely’s home, a Roseburg Police Department, accompanied by a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office animal control deputy, uncovered a large illegal dog breeding operation on Monday.
While visiting the residence in the 1400 block of SE Stephens at approximately 1:50 PM on August 18 to investigate the complaint, the law enforcement officers identified Whitely as the owner.
Whitely was arrested on Animal Neglect charges, and the injured puppy was transported to Saving Grace, where it received further care.
At about noon the next day, the officers- assisted by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Winston Police Department, and members of Saving Grace- served a search warrant on Whitely’s residence.
The remaining 16 dogs were seized and removed from the residence. Firearms, ammunition, and other evidence of animal neglect were also seized under the warrant.
Whitely was charged with:
- 17 counts of Animal Neglect II
- 2 counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Felon in Possession of Body Armor
Whitely was also issued citations for multiple city ordinance violations related to the operation.