Veneta dog breeder pleads guilty to improper care

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A 72-year-old dog breeder from Veneta has been sentenced to two years on probation after admitting she failed to meet care standards.

The Register-Guard reports (https://is.gd/xPzVce ) Shirley Ann Stephenson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge relating to standards of care applicable to dog breeders. Prosecutors dismissed a felony charge of animal neglect.

Stephenson owned Monet French Bulldogs, a dog-breeding business she operated on the property of Evelyn Maas, where both women lived. Maas was indicted in January, but the charge was dismissed when she died the following month.

The women were investigated last year after police and the Oregon Humane Society received reports that sanitation was poor inside the house. Eleven dogs were seized.

During probation, Stephenson can’t own animals or be involved in animal breeding. She also must complete 40 hours of community service.