On April 2, 2013, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was called by neighbors of Catherine Hicks concerned about the welfare of the animals in her home. Upon investigation, Deputies found 28 animals in Ms. Hicks’ home that were living in filth. The home was covered in urine and feces, there were large numbers of flies throughout the house which covered windows, it was full of trash, and the animals inside were suffering from ailments commonly found in these types of cases such as upper respiratory infection. The Sherriff’s Office seized the animals and arrested Ms. Hicks for animal neglect. The DA’s Office charged Ms. Hicks with 28 counts of Animal Neglect.
On 12/19/13, Ms. Hicks plead guilty to Animal Neglect in the 2d Degree and was placed on probation for 36 months with conditions that she forfeit all of the animals seized, engage in mental health treatment, and pay restitution of over $16,000 which was the cost of care for the animals that were taken care of by Brightside Animal Center in Redmond while the case was pending. Also, as a result of this conviction, the defendant will be prohibited from owning any animals for 5 years subject to additional criminal prosecution if she is found possessing animals. Most of the kittens and cats have found new homes. Thank you to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Brightside Animal Center and DDA Drew Moore for their work on this case.