County Leaders, Dog Breeder Looking to Find Homes for 200 Dogs

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By Chelsea Kopta

Summary

Driven to tears because of suffering. Neighbors are reaching out to Action News about hundreds of dogs in Finley. The animals were left with their owner despite her recent arrest for animal cruelty. Tuesday, we spoke exclusively with the owner and found out plans are in the works to try and save the dogs.

Story Published: May 19, 2009 at 5:35 PM PST

BENTON COUNTY -- What will happen to 200 dogs left with their owner in Finley?

You've called and you've written, asking about the Sun Valley toy Eskimos who are still in Finley even after their owner, Ella Stewart, was arrested for animal cruelty last week.

Benton County deputies told Action News they don't have the resources to place all 200-300. And neither does Tri-City Animal Control. But we found out Tuesday, plans are in the works to find these animals a place to stay.

"I'm doing a lot here," Stewart said. "It isn't shown it isn't known. I'm very interested in the Sun Valley Eskimo. I've been with 'em a long time."

Stewart's been breeding Sun Valley toy Eskimos for years and she believes her special breed is the only ones in existence.

"But I do have overstock I would like to place in good homes," she said.

Stewart admitted she had too many animals. And she said she's been trying to downsize what she calls "overstock" for years. Stewart said she wouldn't even mind handing over the responsibility to other breeders. But she hasn't. Instead, Stewart told Action News she's done everything to keep the breed alive, even if it means sacrificing some of the health conditions.

That is, until her arrest last week, when deputies arrested her animal cruelty.

"They pushed me too soon and then this threat that they just want to take them all away that's just stupid to me," Stewart said.

But it's not stupid to people like Helen Richardson. "I think my daughter would not want a nightmare next door. It's like the Holocaust but for doggies," Richardson said.

Richardson's daughter has lived next door for 20 years. When she found out this this story was coming to light for the second time in several years, she decided to confront Stewart herself. "I know you're a good person but when it comes to these dogs you've lost sight of what you're doing," Richardson said, confronting Stewart in her front yard. "We've tried to get somebody to do something about this. These dogs are suffering everyday and there's nothing I can do about. And I just dream about it."

Now lots of people are coming forward. Some are angry like Richardson. Others want to help.

"There's such a number of people offering., I'm trying to figure out a way to organize it," Stewart said.

Stewart said she's in the process of setting up a website for people interested in buying her dogs and breeders who want to carry on the lines. The county is also taking action. They need a place for all 200 dogs and have a couple ideas including working with a group called Best Friends Company or using the Benton County fairgrounds as a temporary home.

"I say they are in adequate positions but they could be improved," Stewart said. "And I get volunteer help and I get some money and I get some into good homes then that would improve the whole thing."

Benton County Commissioner Jim Beaver would not go on camera about this issue but said he does plan to meet with Sheriff's Deputies on Wednesday. Action News also made calls to the Benton County Prosecutor working this case. She said she could not comment since it's still pending.