Humane Society investigating death of frozen puppies allegedly used to feed snakes

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Humane Society is investigating the deaths of 19 frozen puppies that were found in a Columbia County home on Friday along with eight pet snakes, according to authorities.

“We received information that there was a lady [who] lived up in the Goble area, kind of out by Rainier, Oregon, that had a couple litters of puppies, and she potentially was planning on feeding those puppies to their snakes,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley told KOIN 6 News.

During a search of the home on Friday, authorities said they found the remains of 19 puppies that appeared to be newborns, after CCSO previously reported finding 18 puppies.

Three new wolverine sightings confirmed on the Oregon Coast

The remains were taken to the Oregon Humane Society to determine their cause of death, Pixley explained.

Additionally, CCSO found eight snakes in the home, one of which was prohibited and seized by authorities.

The owner could face charges depending on the results of the necropsy for the puppies, Pixley explained.

“We were glad the information came forward, so we were able to deal with it legally. We take all accusations of criminal behavior here at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office very seriously and we will investigate it and prosecute as far as we can,” Pixley said.

Authorities said Oregon law protects domestic animals, including cats and dogs, and urges snake owners to follow diets recommended by pet shop owners and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which handles snake permitting.

“There’s a wide variety of snake food, rats, mice, things like that available through your pet store, alive or frozen. Exotic creatures like these have a very specific diet, so it’s better for the health of the animal to make sure you’re sticking to the diet,” Pixley said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.