Back in March, a disturbing report surfaced about an Oregon resident potentially feeding frozen puppies to her pet snakes. Now, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has provided an update on the case, revealing shocking details that have left many horrified.
This week, CCSO announced on Facebook that Kathryn Sullivan, the suspect in question, has been indicted for a staggering 38 counts of felony Aggravated Animal Abuse. The investigation, which began in March 2024, uncovered a gruesome truth – Sullivan had suffocated and frozen 19 newborn puppies with the intention of feeding them to her pet snakes.
The case came to light when a county building inspector raised concerns about unlawful activities at Sullivan’s residence in Goble, Oregon. This prompted an investigation by animal control, with Deputy Roger Kadell leading the charge. Kadell’s findings led to a search warrant being issued for Sullivan’s property.
A team comprising animal-control personnel, CCSO deputies, a biologist from the Oregon State Fish and Game, Oregon State Police Game Troopers, and a Columbia County Deputy District Attorney conducted a thorough search of the property. What they discovered was truly disturbing – 19 dead, frozen puppies. These puppies were taken to the Oregon Humane Forensic Investigations Unit in Portland for a necropsy examination to determine the cause of death.
In addition to the tragic discovery of the puppies, officials also found one prohibited snake and two restricted snakes on Sullivan’s property. The prohibited snake was removed, and Sullivan will be required to obtain a permit for the restricted snakes.
The incident has sparked outrage and disbelief among animal lovers and advocates. The idea of using puppies as food for pet snakes is not only cruel but completely unnecessary. Snakes in captivity can be fed frozen rodents, which are readily available at pet stores and provide a suitable diet for these animals.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to treat all animals with compassion and respect. It also highlights the crucial role that law enforcement and animal control agencies play in investigating and prosecuting cases of animal abuse.
As the legal proceedings unfold, many are hopeful that justice will be served for the innocent puppies who lost their lives in such a senseless and tragic manner. It is a stark reminder that puppies are not food for pet snakes, and such cruel and inhumane actions will not be tolerated in our society.
