Woman's dogs to be examined
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
A Circuit Court judge yesterday ordered that dogs left in "foster care" by a woman accused of mistreating animals be examined by a veterinarian.
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Judge Eden Elizabeth Hifo ruled that the people who received the animals from Lucy Kagan be required to allow a Hawaiian 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.
Lucy Kagan denied allegations that she was operating a "puppy mill."
The name of the veterinarian also was kept under seal.
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 begin as soon as yesterday and 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. Humane Society president Pam Burns could not be reached for comment.
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.
The Humane Society has said it is continuing to work with the city prosecutor's office on an investigation that might lead to animal-cruelty charges.
