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53 °F 5 Day Forecast Saturday, November 29, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend October 11, 2003 Dog adoptions stall as owners take legal action By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune A Sams Valley couple accused of neglecting 41 dogs has blocked Jackson County Animal Control from finding homes for the remaining animals. "It’s really hard on those poor dogs," animal control director Colleen Macuk said Friday. "We want to find homes for them, and all that’s been put on hold." Following a lengthy investigation, animal control and sheriff’s deputies in September seized 41 dogs from the home of Anita and Brian McKenna of 17300 Ramsey Road. According to Macuk, all of the dogs were infested with fleas, most were malnourished and many tested positive for the fatal heartworm parasite. Others had skin infections, sores, lesions and various other medical ailments, she added. Advertisement Court records show the McKennas signed over 12 dogs to animal control, giving the county the right to find homes for those canines. Of the remaining 29 dogs, 19 were in such poor health that a pro-tem judge later signed an order allowing animal control officials to euthanize them. One dog died while in animal control’s custody. The surviving nine dogs that the McKennas did not release to the county will remain under the care of animal control until the case is settled. The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the case, and criminal charges of animal neglect or abuse are expected to be filed this month. Last week, the county began seeking homes for the adoptable dogs. But before all of the animals could find homes, an attorney for the McKennas requested that the county halt all adoptions. Macuk said the county will fight the request and ask a Jackson County Circuit Court judge to allow the adoptions to proceed. "It’s an ongoing cost to the county," said Doug McGeary, an attorney for the county who added that it’s likely animal control will seek reimbursement from the McKennas. A cost estimate for the dogs’ care was not available on Friday. "I’m fully prepared to present our case in court," he added. The name of the attorney representing the McKennas was unavailable Friday. When reached by phone at her Sams Valley residence, Anita McKenna declined comment. The majority of the 12 dogs signed over to animal control were adopted before the request, including Penelope — a female basset hound with severe health problems. After a wave of media coverage, Macuk said dozens of people contacted animal control asking to adopt Penelope. However, many backed out after learning that the friendly hound would require extensive daily medical care for the rest of her life. On Friday, Penelope was adopted by a local family that is willing and able to meet her needs and provide the small canine with a permanent, loving home, added Macuk. Only a few dogs remain in limbo, including a tan mixed-breed that is slowly overcoming its fear of people and a black, female Labrador-mix dog nursing five small pups. While the case slogs through the legal system, Macuk said volunteers, trustees and employees are spending extra time with the remaining dogs. "Everyone is really making an effort to spend as much time as possible with them," she added. Many of the McKennas’ dogs require ongoing medical care. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the county’s emergency care medical fund can call 774-6654. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times