July 23, 2019
Pet owner convicted of animal neglect after four-year-old cat nearly dies from suspected chemical burns
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced a guilty verdict in State of Oregon v. Marlene Hsieh who, with criminal negligence, failed to provide proper care and treatment after her four-year-old cat suffered severe facial burns and other injuries.
Upon conviction, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Hsieh to 12 months of probation and ordered that she perform 40 hours of community service. Pursuant to ORS 167.332, Hsieh is not allowed to be in possession of any cats for the next five years.
This investigation started in January 2019 when Hsieh brought her cat named “Muzi” into a pet hospital in the 7400 block of Southwest Barbur Boulevard in Portland, Oregon with what appeared to be burns that were a few weeks to a month old.
“The left side of Muzi’s face was missing fur, covered in scabs and Muzi was unable to open her left eye,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Maddie Loeb, who prosecuted this case. “Muzi’s right hind foot had lost its claws, pads and a toes, leaving bones exposed. Obviously, these were very serious and concerning injuries. The staff recognized that Muzi needed immediate medical attention because she was in extensive pain and risked death if care was not provided right away.”
Staff at the pet hospital explained the seriousness of Muzi’s injuries to Hsieh, who refused all treatment. Eventually, Hsieh left the pet hospital with Muzi, pain medicine and antibiotics. Upon leaving, staff notified Multnomah County Animal Services and reported what they suspected to be abuse and/or neglect.
Multnomah County Animal Services contacted Hsieh in the 7100 block of Southwest 12th Avenue in Portland, Oregon later that day and made the determination, based on the initial reports and observations at Hsieh’s residence, it was in the best interest to remove Muzi.
Multnomah County Animal Services then took Muzi to Dove Lewis Animal Hospital. During trial, five veterinarians testified Muzi was unduly suffering and had most likely been chemically burned and left untreated for at least a week up to a month.
Staff at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital started immediate intensive care for Muzi. Doctors determined Muzi would have died from sepsis without proper care. As a result of the care provided by Dove Lewis Animal Hospital, Muzi made the best recovery possible.
Veterinarians were unable to determine exactly how Muzi suffered burns but based on their training and experience, concluded the burns were likely the result of a chemical substance based on their random location on Muzi’s body.
Upon her conviction, Muzi was forfeited and will be rehomed, along with Hsieh’s other three cats.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the staff at the Burlingame Pet Hospital, Multnomah County Animal Services and DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital for their dedicated efforts investigating this case and providing immediate care to Muzi.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has an experienced deputy district attorney who has received specialized training in prosecuting animal abuse and neglect cases and litigates the majority of animal abuse and neglect cases. DDA Nicole Jergovic is recognized throughout the state as being a dedicated animal advocate. This case was initially reviewed by DDA Jergovic who then assisted DDA Loeb in pretrial matters.
A photo of Muzi, mid recovery, is being included with this press release.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us