Cocker Spaniel puppies Oregon

Oregon Humane SocietyOne of 25 cocker spaniels rescued from Grass Valley breeder.

Officials today rescued 25 cocker spaniels and a German shepherd mix that were being kept in cramped, dirty crates by a breeder in Eastern Oregon, according to the Oregon Humane Society.

Many of the dogs, which included a mix of colors, had urine burns on their skin and fur caked with feces, said David Lytle, an OHS spokesman. Several appeared to have skin disorders and eye infections.

The rescue operation followed a complaint to the Sherman County Sheriff's Office by a customer who bought a puppy from the breeder.

The sheriff's office said as many as three dogs were living in one 1.5-by-2.5-foot crate.

Gillette voluntarily turned the dogs over for adoption and was allowed to keep one dog. However, she could be charged with animal neglect, Lytle said.

The dogs arrived at the Oregon Humane Society on Northeast Columbia Boulevard about 4:15 p.m. today, he said. They are being examined by veterinarians and will be bathed and treated as necessary.

"Once they get a clean bill of heath, they'll be put up for adoption, " Lytle said. "They're friendly cocker spaniels."