“Nevada City, CA – Brady Fehr, 67, of Nevada City, was arrested on Oct. 6 on 33 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one count of felony animal cruelty. He was booked into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility the same day.
This case began for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) on Oct. 1 when its Animal Control division received a complaint about a subject reportedly owning 60-plus, Husky-type dogs that were not contained and roaming on the 24,000 block of Banner Quaker Hill Road in Nevada City. NCSO animal control officers began investigating the claim and made contact with the property and Fehr on Oct. 2.
Fehr indicated he owned and operated an animal rescue called “Mother Lode Husky Haven” and that approximately 47 dogs were his and 14 belonged to another rescue. Animal control officers noted numerous violations and gave Fehr 24 hours to come into compliance. The following day, animal control officers visited the property again and noted Fehr had made some improvements, such as making shade available for the animals. One animal, Chance, was seized due to inadequate care and apparent illness. The investigation remained active.
On Oct. 6, NCSO learned Fehr was involved in a traffic accident in another jurisdiction during which several animals were hurt and one was killed on Oct. 4. In response, NCSO sought a search warrant which was executed the same day in partnership with several teams. Fehr was present on scene and cooperated with officers as they seized 33 adult dogs and arrested him. Two dogs required emergency veterinary care due to poor health and injuries, including a broken leg, which had possibly occurred in the traffic accident. The remaining dogs were transported to private facilities for care and board. Unfortunately, the first rescued dog succumbed to his illness days later.
“We are devastated to have lost Chance but are grateful all the dogs are in safe places now. The safe seizure of this many dogs wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several community groups and businesses,” said Animal Control Supervisor Stefanie Geckler. “Many of the dogs are available for immediate adoption and could use loving homes.”
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following organizations for their swift support and assistance in rescuing all the animals: Sammie’s Friends, Canine Academy, Sheriff’s H.E.A.R.T., All About Dogs Boarding facility and West Coast Cane Corso Rescue.
To adopt a rescued dog, please contact Sammie’s Friends at (530) 471-5041. Sammie’s Friends is also accepting donations to help provide fuel, nourishment and medical care to all the dogs rescued. Donations earmarked for “Chance” will support the surviving rescued dogs.”
