Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Hifo ordered the examinations yesterday.

Hifo ruled that the people who received the animals from Lucy Kagan be required to allow a humane society inspection team, including a veterinarian, to examine the dogs and their living conditions.

The names of the four parties who are caring for the dogs were not released by the court. The name of the veterinarian also was kept under seal.

"We were quite pleased with Judge Hifo’s order," said humane society president Pam Burns. "It will allow us to inspections to ensure the dogs are adequately cared for."

The other inspections were being scheduled today, she said. The humane society can inspect them up to three times a week before all parties must return to court on Aug. 22.

Hifo’s order dealt only with the animals Kagan is said to have placed under temporary care. There was no mention of the dogs and puppies Kagan said she has sold.

The judge also did not rule on the humane society’s motion to show why 14 dogs and puppies should not be returned to the society.

Hifo said the inspections could occur up to three times a week. The dogs and their caregivers must be present during the visits, Hifo ruled.

Kagan and her attorney, Scott Strack, would not comment on the ruling.

The humane society confiscated 27 dogs and cats from Kagan’s Hawai'i Kai condominium May 7 after a small fire was reported in her kitchen.

Firefighters and police discovered the animals in crowded and filthy conditions and an animal-cruelty case was opened.

Kagan has said she loves animals and would never abuse them. She said she was boarding the animals and denied allegations that she was operating a "puppy mill."

Thirteen animals were returned to their owners, and the humane society returned 11 dogs and three puppies to Kagan after she agreed to allow unannounced inspections. But humane society workers made several visits to the Waimanalo address given by Kagan, but never found her or her dogs.