August 21, 2025 3:40 a.m. 

The Roseburg Police Department has updated an animal neglect case.

Sergeant Daniel Allen said on Monday afternoon at approximately 1:50 p.m. an RPD officer, along with an animal control deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of two large dogs fighting with a puppy in the backyard of a residence in the 1400 block of Southeast Stephens Street. Allen said the investigation led to the identification of the owner, 66-year-old Edward Andrew Whitely, and the discovery of a large illegal dog breeding operation. Whitely was arrested on animal neglect charges, and the injured dog was transported to Saving Grace Humane Society where it received further care.

Allen said Tuesday at about 12:00 p.m., a search warrant was served on Whitely’s residence. During the execution of the search warrant, the remaining 16 dogs were seized and removed from the residence, with the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Winston Police Department, and staff from Saving Grace.

Allen said in addition to the removal of the animals, firearms, ammunition and other evidence of animal neglect was seized pursuant to the warrant.

Whitley was charged with 17 counts of animal neglect, 2 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of body armor. He was also issued citations for multiple city ordinance violations related to the operation.

Allen said RPD would like to thank its community partners from DCSO, WPD and Saving Grace for their assistance in this case and the recovery of the animals for their safety.