Eagle Point Police Serve Search Warrant For Animal Abuse/Neglect Case (Photo) - 01/06/26

On January 6, 2026, officers from the Eagle Point Police Department served a search warrant in the 400 block of Crystal Drive following a two-year investigation into allegations of animal neglect and animal abuse at the residence, as well as numerous City Ordinance violations.

When officers attempted to serve the warrant, the resident was uncooperative and refused to come to the door. After negotiations, the resident, identified as Jana Tepper, eventually exited the residence and was detained. A second male occupant then refused to leave the residence. Due to the large number of dogs believed to be inside, officers attempted to remove the occupants without entering the home. When the male occupant continued to refuse to exit, officers entered the residence and safely escorted him outside.

Once the residence was secured, officers from the Eagle Point Police Department, along with Jackson County Animal Control, Mercy Flights, Jackson County Mental Health, and Rogue Valley Emergency Veterinary Hospital, began processing the scene. Mercy Flights and Jackson County Mental Health also assisted officers by attempting to assist Tepper as part of the investigation. Investigators estimated that more than 30 dogs were living inside the residence.

Due to the hazardous conditions inside the home, Animal Control officers and EPPD officers were required to wear Tyvek suits and respirators. The dogs appeared to have been confined indoors and were not regularly taken outside to urinate or defecate. The floors of the residence were covered in feces, creating an extremely hazardous environment.

The dogs were carefully removed from the residence and examined outside by Veterinarian Dr. Brubaker, as well as Dr. Lewis and his staff from Rogue Valley Emergency Veterinary Hospital. After preliminary examinations, each dog was secured and transported to area shelters. Dr. Brubaker and Dr. Lewis, along with the veterinary staff, volunteered their services to assist with the care of the animals and the investigation.

With assistance from Midwest Schipperke Rescue, some of the dogs will be placed for adoption through their rescue network. Because not all of the dogs were relinquished by Tepper, the rescue organization is only able to assist with rehoming those dogs that have been legally released.

Due to the complexity of the investigation and the number of animals involved, securing the residence and removing all of the dogs took more than nine hours. Tepper has been lodged at the Jackson County Jail on Aggravated Animal Abuse charges.  Additional charges are expected after the results of the exams have been assessed.  Further details on this will follow after the case is presented to the grand jury. Further details on this will follow after the case is presented to the grand jury.  The male inside the residence has not been charged and was transported by Mercy Flights for an unrelated medical issue. 

The Eagle Point Police Department wants to thank everyone who assisted with this very difficult investigation.