No major problems found in dogs' care
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Hawaiian Humane Society has inspected the living conditions of three of the four dogs left in "foster care" by a woman accused of abusing animals and found no major problems.
Advertiser library photo
But Humane Society spokeswoman Eve Holt stopped short yesterday of saying that the dogs were in healthy environments.
On May 7, 27 dogs and cats were removed from Lucy Kagan's condominium.
"I wouldn't say that they're in good care. I would say that we did not find any major problems," Holt said.
Holt couldn't provide information on whether the fourth inspection was conducted, and details of the three inspections and the dogs' health were not released.
Circuit Judge Eden Hifo last week ordered that the people who received four animals from Lucy Kagan allow the Humane Society and a veterinarian to inspect the animals and their living conditions. Another hearing is set for Friday, when Kagan will have to show that she has allowed all inspections.
Holt yesterday would not comment on whether the Humane Society will argue at Friday's hearing that the animals be returned to the society. She also would not comment on the 10 dogs that Kagan said she has sold.
On May 7, 27 dogs and cats were removed from Kagan's Hawai'i Kai condominium after a fire was reported. An animal-cruelty case was opened after firefighters and police found the animals in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
Kagan said she was boarding many of the animals, and she denied abusing them. Thirteen animals were returned to their owners and the Humane Society reluctantly returned 14 dogs to Kagan after she agreed to unannounced inspections. But the Humane Society wasn't able to find the home that Kagan said she was housing the pets and the court action was filed.
