Neighbors’ Tips Lead to Recovery of 21 More Dogs in Bend Area Neglect Case

Bend, Oregon- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office recovered 21 additional Toy Australian Shepherds from a Tumalo Reservoir Road property, bringing the total number of dogs seized in the ongoing neglect case to 33.

Investigators say property owner David De Persio, 38, admitted to hiding the dogs at a second property he owns and giving false information to deputies. Following the initial seizure, tips from concerned neighbors led Deputy Benn Smith, along with Animal Control Technicians Michelle White and Mariya Leufven, to an adjacent property owned by De Persio. There, they found 15 young puppies and six adult dogs, now in the care of the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO). Some of the puppies have been reunited with a nursing mother.

The Sheriff’s Office said an additional charge of interfering with a peace officer will be added for withholding information about the dogs’ location.

The case began Aug. 3 when Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at De Persio’s Tumalo property. Firefighters saw dogs living in filthy conditions and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Smith found 12 Toy Australian Shepherds inside a residence with extensive accumulations of animal waste.

The dogs were voluntarily surrendered to HSCO, and De Persio was cited for second-degree animal neglect — elevated to a Class C felony under Oregon law because more than 11 animals were involved. Eight of the original dogs have since been adopted.

HSCO is providing medical care and daily support for the newly recovered dogs and puppies. Adoption updates will be posted at http://www.hsco.org. Those unable to adopt can make donations to assist with ongoing care by visiting the same site or stopping by HSCO at 61170 SE 27th Street in Bend.

All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law