Bend, OR – On Friday, September 5, 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence on Elk Lane in Alfalfa, leading to the arrest of Lorinda Maxwell, 62, on 49 felony counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree.

The case began earlier this month when a woman who purchased a dog through the website rescueme.org contacted the Sheriff’s Office with concerns about the animal’s health. Maxwell uses the business name Kameo Poodles. Deputies and Animal Control Technicians responded and discovered what they suspect to be a puppy mill. After Maxwell refused to surrender the dogs voluntarily, the Sheriff’s Office sought and was granted a search warrant.

DCSO Animal Control seized 44 dogs from the home. Maxwell also voluntarily surrendered two additional dogs and three cats. The dogs, a mix of standard, miniature, and toy poodles—including two litters of puppies—were found in filthy, unhealthy conditions inside the residence. Animal Control Technician Maryia Leufven noted a strong odor of urine and ammonia, with many animals living in dirty crates and on soiled blankets. 

Many dogs were observed to need medical care and treatment based on their physical condition and lack of grooming. Poodles need regular grooming every 6–8 weeks because if neglected, their coats can develop heavy, painful curls that pull on their skin. They are also prone to dental issues and ear infections without proper care.

“Our Animal Control Technicians are committed to protecting animals in our community and are highly trained to notice signs of neglect,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

“In this case, we believe Maxwell prioritized quantity over quality with profit as the main goal. And given how long she’s been breeding and the unhealthy conditions in the home, we’re considering this a puppy mill.”

Maxwell was arrested on Friday and transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail without incident. The animals were taken to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, where they are receiving medical care and will remain pending the outcome of this case. Unfortunately, they are not available for adoption at this time.

Because of the scale of this investigation, the Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to come forward. If you have knowledge about this case or have purchased animals from Kameo Poodles or Lorinda Maxwell, please call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. Even small details could be valuable to investigators. 

Humane Society of Central Oregon Asks for Resources & Donations 

The dog kennels at the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) are at 200% capacity. The newly arrived animals are on a court hold, and HSCO cannot share details or a timeline for adoption. Caring for animals from neglect cases requires significant resources. Community members who want to help can make the greatest impact by adopting or fostering an available dog, or by making a donation to support the ongoing care of these dogs and others in need at www.hsco.org. To allow staff to focus on animal care, we ask the public to direct any questions about the case to DCSO.  

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