On January 15, 2017 at approximately 1:45 P.M. Animal Service Deputy Sara Wynveen investigated a report of a dog in poor physical condition at the Lincoln City Veterinary Clinic. The dog was reportedly found tied to a tree on a remote logging road in Otis. When deputies arrived they learned that the dog, Chief, had been identified through a microchip implant. Chief was examined by veterinarians and was found to be suffering from a long term skin condition and ear infections that had gone untreated. Chief was taken at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter for further care.

On January 20, 2017 deputies contacted Chief’s last known owners Douglas C. Rathburn,age 74, and Georgia C. Rathburn, age 70, of Otis. The Rathburns voluntarily surrendered Chief to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. On January 21, 2017 Douglas and Georgia Rathburn were issued citations for Animal Neglect II, a class B misdemeanor, with bail set at $10,000. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind pet owners, resources are available if your pet needs veterinary care that you cannot afford. Please contact the Lincoln County Animal Shelter at 541-265-6610 ext. 6 for more information.