Sheriff's Office Thanks ASPCA and All Who Helped

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Receives $8,000 Grant to Support

Animal Neglect Investigation in Pedee, Ore.

Dallas, Ore.—The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has received an $8,000 grant from the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) following the rescue of 22 animals in Pedee, Ore. The funds will offset the costs of feed, veterinary care and shelter for 16 horses, three goats and three llamas who were seized from their owner, Donna Dovey of Independence, Ore.

“Performing an animal rescue of this size requires significant funding and resources,” said Matt Stern, senior director of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group Operations. “We commend the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their dedication to investigating crimes against animals, and are proud to provide grant funding to assist these efforts.”

On February 1, 2017, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office seized the animals from a property leased by Dovey near rural Pedee, Ore. Many of the animals were emaciated and in poor health. Following the rescue, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and members of the Polk County Sheriff's Posse provided care and transportation for the animals, who have been placed in permanent homes. 

"Members of the Posse played a critical role in caring for all the animals in this investigation. Even though there are only a few Posse members, their knowledge and expertise allow this office to focus on the criminal investigation and to hold people accountable.  The Posse Unit is an all-volunteer group that routinely helps us when this type of case comes up.  Without everyone working together, this case would have taken longer and been more expensive in general.  We are honored to be a recipient of a grant from the ASPCA to help offset our expenses,” said Polk County Sheriff Mark Garton.  

On March 23, 2017, Dovey was charged and convicted of second-degree animal neglect.

ASPCA: Alyssa Fleck, 917-575-2343

PCSO: Sheriff Mark Garton, 503-623-9251

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.