While parts of the United States are busy debating immigrants eating their pets, another animal abuse case in a small corner of the state’s Pacific Northwest is being resolved in court, with horrifying details.
Kathryn Sullivan convicted of felony animal cruelty in Oregon
KOIN reported that an Oregon woman, Kathryn Sullivan, was found guilty in an animal cruelty case filed this year. The convictions were for five counts of felony animal cruelty (an additional 33 animal cruelty charges were dismissed).
Woman froze puppies to feed to snakes
In March 2024, the Columbia County, Oregon, Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Sullivan’s home in Goble. Officers found 19 frozen puppies and Sullivan’s other pets, including one prohibited snake and two prohibited snakes.
Sullivan was indicted by a grand jury on June 11 after forensics confirmed the cause of the newborn puppy’s death, CCSO said on Facebook. KOIN reports that court documents accuse Sullivan of choking and freezing the puppy in front of a minor.
On Wednesday, October 2, Ms. Sullivan pleaded guilty in court and was subsequently sentenced.
Sullivan sentenced to probation – with pets
According to KOIN, Sullivan’s sentence includes five years’ probation, a $500 fine, and 80 hours of community service and completion of an animal cruelty prevention course. Sullivan will be allowed to keep and live with five dogs, seven snakes and five fish as pets, but he may not be able to add additional animals to those numbers.
The idea that a convicted animal abuser could keep a pet and live with it may be shocking. Jake Cummins, the prosecutor in the case, told KOIN:
Ms. Sullivan has been forthright and cooperative with law enforcement and has taken responsibility for her criminal conduct. This resolution holds her accountable, ensures the safety of the animals in her custody or control, and allows for ongoing supervision and education.
Animal stories that will make you smile:
Oregon ranks #1 for animal protection laws
The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) ranks both Oregon and Washington highly for their animal protection laws. Oregon State emerges to the top of the list as No. 1 while Washington State ranks No. 8. This is partly due to state post-conviction possession bans.
If you have a pet snake, we recommend following a science-recommended snake diet plan based on your pet’s species, size, and age.
See: America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds
Gallery credit: Stacker
Which of Washington State’s 10 Snakes Are Dangerous?
Research these snakes to see which ones you can leave alone.
Gallery credit: AJ Brewster
