Deschutes County authorities removed nearly 50 poodles from a suspected puppy mill operation in South Bend, Oregon, and arrested the woman who operated the business on multiple felony counts, sheriff's officials said.
Police said the investigation began after a woman who had purchased a dog from Kameo Poodles reported behavioral problems and unusual health issues in the animal and alerted law enforcement. Deputies who searched the home of 62-year-old Lorinda Maxwell found dozens of poodles in need of grooming and medical attention. When Maxwell refused to voluntarily relinquish 44 poodles, deputies returned with a warrant and removed the animals on Sept. 5. Maxwell was arrested on 49 felony counts of second-degree animal neglect and taken into custody at the Deschutes County Adult Jail; as of Thursday, formal charging was pending.
Officials said the animals included standard, miniature and toy poodles and two litters of puppies. Investigators described the living conditions as unhygienic, reporting soiled crates and blankets and a pervasive smell of urine and ammonia. Many of the dogs appeared underweight and in need of routine care; deputies and animal control technicians noted matted coats, dental problems and ear conditions commonly linked to inadequate grooming and veterinary attention.
"Our Animal Control Technicians are committed to protecting animals in our community and are highly trained to notice signs of neglect," a Deschutes County Sheriff's Office public information officer said. "In this case, we believe Maxwell prioritized quantity over quality with profit as the main goal. And given how long she’s been breeding and the unhealthy conditions in the home, we’re considering this a puppy mill."
Maxwell also voluntarily surrendered two additional dogs and three cats, authorities said. The animals seized by deputies were taken to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, where they will remain as evidence while the sheriff's office continues its investigation. The humane society reported that the intake has pushed the shelter to about 200% of its normal capacity; the poodles cannot be adopted until the case is resolved.
Under Oregon law, animal neglect can be charged as a felony when it involves 11 or more animals. Deschutes County officials said large-scale animal neglect and abuse cases have risen in 2025, with more than 200 animals rescued in the county this year.
National animal welfare organizations characterize puppy mills as high-volume breeding operations that prioritize profit over animal health and well-being. The Humane World for Animals estimates that roughly 2.2 million dogs are sold annually from large-scale breeding operations and commercial brokers.
Sheriff's office investigators did not release a timetable for when charging decisions would be finalized, and the case remains under active investigation. The seized animals will be held by the humane society while authorities gather evidence and determine next steps in the criminal case.