By Cathy Ingalls
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Sunday, September 7, 2008 12:00 am
Fourteen dogs and 14 cats seized last month are ready for adoption at SafeHaven Humane Society.
The animals were seized from a mother and her adult son being evicted from their home.
After the two are gone from the 16-acre property near Lebanon, Linn County sheriff's deputies and shelter staff will check the site to ensure no animals are left behind.
The ages and conditions of the animals taken vary, said Christiana Gunderson, shelter development director.
The mother's dogs are overweight because she overfed them, she said. The son's dogs were kept in a muddy wire pen that was never cleaned out. The dogs were never socialized, and they never wore a collar, never were on leashes and never learned to play with toys, Gunderson said.
Because of poor breeding practices, some of the man's dogs have limited vision and poor hearing, she said. But that does not mean they are not adoptable, only that they require more care, Gunderson said.
Two of the dogs already have been adopted. The remaining dogs range in age from 10 months to 6 years.
Photos of the dogs are online, and pictures of the cats will be posted soon. The web address is www.
Several of the cats are being treated for ringworm. All of the cats range in age from six weeks to 7 years. Some of the cats are feral and would make good barn cats.
No charges will be filed against the mother and son, said Linn County Sheriff's Capt. Bruce Riley. Instead, representatives from state senior services and county mental health have contacted them offering help.
Because of the number of animals taken from the property and because of many other pets surrendered to the shelter by people being evicted for nonpayment of rent or mortgages, the humane society is short of food and animal-related items.
"We are looking for Kirkland or Pedigree brand food," Gunderson said. "We can't take other brands because we don't want to change the animals' diets because we'd be dealing with diarrhea."
Also needed are collars, leashes, toys, non-clumping cat litter and money to pay medical bills.
Foster parents are especially needed. To find out about the fostering program or to learn more about volunteering at the shelter, call 928-2789.
Donations can be taken to the shelter, 33071 Highway 34, and checks can be sent to P.O. Box 2018, Albany, OR 97321.