A Nevada City man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges following the seizure of more than 30 dogs, some of which were injured or died, earlier this month. The case has sparked concerns about the care and treatment of animals at private rescue facilities.
The situation came to light on October 1 when Nevada County deputies were informed about a large number of dogs being kept at a property along Banner Quaker Hill Road. The tip-off mentioned over 60 husky-type dogs. Deputies responded the next day, meeting with 67-year-old Brady Fehr, the owner of the property. Fehr claimed he ran a rescue facility called Mother Lode Husky Haven, housing 47 of the dogs, while an additional 14 belonged to another organization.
Upon inspection, authorities found the living conditions inadequate. Fehr was given 24 hours to make improvements, such as providing shade for the dogs. A follow-up visit revealed some adjustments, but deputies deemed the care insufficient for at least one dog. Chance, a husky mix, was particularly ill and was removed from the property for emergency care.
Only days later, the situation escalated dramatically when Fehr was involved in a traffic incident while transporting dogs. On October 4, Fehr was driving a rented box truck carrying 11 dogs to another rescue facility. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), he veered off the road, hitting a barbed wire fence, which damaged the truck and created an opening for the dogs to escape. Witnesses reported seeing Fehr continue driving with a damaged vehicle, and some dogs were seen leaving the truck.
Tragically, one witness told officers they saw a dog ejected from the truck after Fehr ran through a stop sign and merged onto a highway. The dog died from the impact, while others were injured in the chaotic events that followed. Authorities later determined that Fehr was under the influence of alcohol and controlled substances during the crash.
Once deputies learned of the incident, they acted swiftly, serving a search warrant at Fehr’s property on October 6. Fehr cooperated with law enforcement, and 33 dogs were seized as a result. He was subsequently arrested and now faces 33 misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, along with one felony count. Two of the seized dogs required emergency medical treatment for injuries, including a broken leg and poor health.
Chance, the dog previously removed on October 2, tragically passed away days later despite efforts to save him. Many of the other rescued dogs are now available for adoption through Sammie’s Friends, an animal shelter. The shelter is also accepting donations to Support the care of the rescued animals, with special donations in memory of Chance. Anyone interested in providing a new home for the dogs or helping with donations can contact Sammie’s Friends at (530) 471-5041.
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