Dogs recently seized from a dog breeding operation in Madras sits in a kennel at the Three Rivers Humane Society.

Since news broke of the arrest on neglect charges of a Madras breeder of toy and mini Australian shepherds, interested parties have besieged the Three Rivers Humane Society looking to adopt one.

“We still get two to three calls a day,” said Steve Drynan, director of the shelter, which has housed the 57 dogs since they were seized by sheriff’s deputies in a June 29 raid.

But soon, the dogs could be available for adoption.

Dog breeder Cora June Gooding-Murphy of Waggin’ on Wiggle Butt Aussies is facing two counts of felony animal neglect after authorities allegedly found poor conditions and signs of neglect at her Loucks Road ranch. During the raid, police allegedly found dogs eating piled-up feces.

Dogs were being watered with buckets because the water system was inoperable due to nonpayment of an electric bill.

A tip led to Gooding-Murphy’s arrest. A woman who cared for horses on the ranch grew concerned after one of the breeding females died due to an infection from a wound suffered in a fight with another dog.

In total, 57 dogs were seized; one escaped during the raid. The dogs were taken to Three River Humane Society, where they effectively doubled the shelter’s population overnight.

Because the dogs legally belong to Gooding-Murphy, the shelter is unable to adopt them out until a conviction in her case.

But on July 18, as Gooding-Murphy’s case moved forward, prosecutors filed a petition with the court to forfeit the seized dogs.

“Jefferson County has incurred expenses related to the feeding, care and medical treatment of impounded animals, and those costs are expected to be ongoing as the criminal case continues,” wrote Jefferson County prosecutor Jay Eyestone.

Gooding-Murphy responded with a petition demanding a hearing to prevent having to give up her dogs.

“The dogs were seized without probable cause to believe that they were subject to treatment in violation of (Oregon’s animal neglect statute),” wrote Gooding-Murphy’s attorney, Jered Reid.

The animals are in good health, according to Drynan. They’ve received two meals a day, as all dogs do at Three Rivers. Underweight dogs from Gooding-Murphy’s ranch were fed extra until they attained a healthy size, Drynan said.

Though Three Rivers is relatively small, it’s the source of many household pets in Central Oregon. There are about 40 puppies housed there. There are also nearly as many older dogs available for adoption.

If the dogs do go up for adoption, Three Rivers will have interested parties fill out an application to determine if they share the shelter’s belief in treat-based, positive-reinforcement training, Drynan said.

“We want people to be prepared,” he said. “If the dog makes a mess, and they say they’re going to push the dog’s nose in it, that does not work. All it does is make the dog not like you.”

Aussies are an energetic breed and those at Three Rivers have so far required much love and attention, Drynan said.

“The statement is, ‘A tired dog is a good dog,’” Drynan said. “They’re being socialized by our staff, and they’re coming along great.”

— Reporter: 541-383-0325, gandrews@bendbulletin.com