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52 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, September 18, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds 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 Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend June 17, 2004 Animal neglect trial to start By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune A Sams Valley couple who forfeited their 41 dogs to the county last fall will stand trial today for neglecting the animals. Anita and Brian McKenna, of the 17000 block of Ramsey Road, each are charged with 41 counts of second-degree animal neglect, a misdemeanor crime. The McKennas could spend time in jail and pay fines if convicted. Under Oregon law, they cannot own domestic animals for five years if found guilty of the charges. After a long-term investigation of animal neglect on the McKennas’ property, officers with Jackson County Animal Control seized the couple’s dogs in September. Some of the dogs were running loose on the fenced property while others had been confined in outbuildings with no windows or ventilation, animal control officials said. Others were tied up or living in fenced enclosures. Most of the dogs were infested with fleas, and many were malnourished, according to animal control officials. Some dogs tested positive for heartworm parasite while others were treated for tumors, sores, lesions and various skin conditions. Animal control euthanized 20 dogs who suffered from severe health problems. Another died while in the shelter’s care. Seven dogs were adopted out, but more of the animals remained in the shelter’s care awaiting suitable homes, officials said. Advertisement The McKennas last year had tried to curtail animal control’s efforts to find homes for the remaining dogs because the couple wanted some of them back. In November, however, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Raymond White ruled that because the couple failed to pay $20,000 for shelter and veterinary costs, they lost control of the dogs. The McKennas also lost a motion to suppress prosecutors’ evidence last week. Circuit Court Judge Lorenzo Mejia found that officers lawfully searched the couple’s property after developing probable cause for a crime. The trial is set to begin in Circuit Court at 9 a.m. Reach reporter Sarah Lemonat 776-4487, 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 © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities