The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) has reported the seizure of thirty-four dogs from a property on Banner Quaker Hill Road in Nevada City. According to a statement obtained by the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, 67-year-old Brady Fehr was arrested on thirty-three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and a single count of felony animal cruelty following a complaint about numerous Husky-type dogs roaming free.
The investigation commenced on Tuesday last week, when NCSO's Animal Control division received a complaint about sixty-plus dogs allegedly not contained on Fehr's property. Fehr claimed to own and operate "Mother Lode Husky Haven," allegedly responsible for approximately 47 of the animals, with the remainder purportedly belonging to another rescue. Officers found multiple violations and gave Fehr an ultimatum to comply within 24 hours. Despite noted improvements by the following day, such as implementing shade for the dogs, one animal, Chance, had to be seized due to its poor health condition, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office detailed on their official Facebook post.
Further developments occurred on Sunday, when information emerged about Fehr's involvement in an out-of-area traffic accident, which resulted in several dogs being injured and one demise on Friday. This prompted Nevada County Sheriff's Office to execute a search warrant, leading to the seizure of the dogs and Fehr's arrest. Two of the canines required emergency veterinary attention for serious health concerns, and sadly, Chance, the first seized dog, later died from his condition.
Animal Control Supervisor Stefanie Geckler expressed the mixed emotions surrounding the case, saying, "We are devastated to have lost Chance but are grateful all the dogs are in safe places now. The safe seizure of this many dogs wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several community groups and businesses." The community stepped up to support the operation, with aid coming from various groups, including Sammie's Friends, Canine Academy, Sheriff's H.E.A.R.T., All About Dogs Boarding facility, and West Coast Cane Corso Rescue. To help or adopt a rescued dog, interested individuals can contact Sammie’s Friends at (530) 471-5041, which also accepts donations to assist with the dogs’ care, fuel, and medical needs, as per the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
