Oregon Humane Society's End Petlessness Campaign

The latest chapter of a year-long animal rescue saga came to pass today as the Oregon Humane Society removed 10 shar-peis from a Goldendale, Wash., resident who pleaded guilty last month to animal cruelty charges.

In May of 2012, OHS rescued 41 shar-peis, nearly all of them in need of medical treatment, from Goldendale, Wash., resident Eric Calvin. The evidence presented by OHS to the Klickitat County prosecutor was essential in reaching last month’s plea agreement.

Calvin pleaded guilty on April 15 to one felony count of animal cruelty and was sentenced to five years of probation and must pay $2,378 in fines and fees. Under the agreement, he must not possess any dogs other than two altered shar-peis.

Many of the 10 shar-peis taken today by OHS will require treatment for skin infections and entropion, an eye condition. They will be offered for adoption as soon as they are healthy enough for new homes.

The dogs rescued by OHS last year suffered from eye, skin and ear infections and required extensive medical treatment at OHS. With the help of local adopters and shar-pei rescue groups across the region, the final rescued shar-pei was adopted on Oct. 24, approximately six months after the rescue took place.

Although OHS Humane Officers do not have jurisdiction in Washington, the OHS shelter in Portland was the only facility in the Northwest with the resources to care for such a large number of neglected dogs. The medical team at OHS provided evidence to Klickitat County authorities that resulted in Calvin being charged with nine counts of animal cruelty.

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• Story on conviction, rescue updates will follow.