KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – A shocking case of animal cruelty was uncovered on Thanksgiving Day when Oregon State Police troopers discovered 15 dogs abandoned in a stolen U-Haul truck at a truck stop in Klamath Falls.

The troopers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Love’s Truck Stop on Nov. 23, 2023. They heard barking from the back of the enclosed truck and obtained a search warrant to open it. Inside, they found seven cages with 15 dogs of various breeds and ages, including several puppies. The dogs had been severely neglected and left without food, water, or ventilation for at least three days. The U-Haul had been reported stolen from a rental company in Klamath Falls on Nov. 20, 2023.

The troopers contacted two suspects who were identified as the renters of the U-Haul. David Eugene McMillion, 50, and Lisa Annette Weeks, 39, both of Klamath Falls, were arrested and charged with animal abandonment, criminal mischief, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and animal neglect. The troopers also recovered an additional 10 dogs from the suspects’ residence, bringing the total number of rescued dogs to 25.

The dogs were turned over to the Klamath County Animal Shelter for evaluation and care. One puppy tested positive for canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs. All the dogs currently at the shelter have been quarantined and the shelter sanitized to prevent further spread of the disease. The shelter staff and volunteers are working hard to provide the dogs with medical treatment, grooming, and socialization. The shelter has already received dozens of adoption applications for the dogs and hopes to find them loving homes once they are medically cleared.

The shelter is also accepting donations to help cover the costs of the dogs’ care. Anyone who wishes to donate can visit the shelter’s website or call (541) 882-1279. The shelter is also looking for foster homes for some of the dogs who need more time to recover. Anyone who is interested in fostering can fill out an application on the website or contact the shelter directly.

The Oregon State Police and the Klamath County Animal Shelter are commending the troopers who rescued the dogs and the public who reported the suspicious vehicle. They are also urging anyone who witnesses or suspects animal abuse or neglect to call 911 or the Oregon Humane Society’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at (503) 285-7722.