Posted on: Thursday, December 18, 2003

Humane Society seeks dogs' return

Advertiser Staff

Hawaiian Humane Society officials say they have been unable to confirm the whereabouts or check on the condition of four of the dogs that were taken from former Hawai'i Kai resident Lucy Kagan on May 7 and returned to her July 29.

Humane Society workers were called after police and firefighters responding to a small kitchen fire at Kagan's townhouse found 27 dogs and two cats. An animal cruelty investigation was then launched against Kagan, but to date, no charges have been brought.

Fourteen of the dogs were returned to Kagan, but despite 10 follow-up inspections and six court appearances, the Humane Society has not been able to confirm where four of the dogs are or what shape they are in.

After Kagan failed to appear for a hearing Tuesday morning,

an order was drafted and sent to Circuit Judge Eden Hifo for approval requesting immediate return of the four dogs to the Hawaiian Humane Society, according to a statement issued by the organization yesterday.

Kagan could not be reached to comment.

"Our concern has always been that the dogs were being kept in acceptable conditions," said Linda Haller, society operations director.