On August 18th, 2025, at approximately 1:50 PM, an officer with the Roseburg Police Department, along with an animal control deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of two large dogs fighting a puppy in the backyard of a residence in the 1400 block of SE Stephens.  The investigation led to the identification of the owner, Edward Andrew Whitely (66), and the discovery of a large illegal dog breeding operation. During the initial incident, Whitely was arrested on Animal Neglect charges, and the injured dog was transported to Saving Grace where it received further care.  On August 19th, 2025, at about noon, a search warrant was served on Whitely's residence.  During the execution of the warrant, the remaining 16 dogs were seized and removed from the residence with the assistance of Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Winston Police Department, and members of Saving Grace. In addition to the removal of the animals, firearms, ammunition, and other evidence of animal neglect was seized pursuant to the warrant.  Whitely was charged with Animal Neglect II x17, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm x2, Felon in Possession of Body Armor, as well as being issued citations for multiple city ordinance violations related to the operation.  The Roseburg Police Department would like to thank our community partners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Winston Police, and Saving Grace for their assistance in this case and the recovery of animals for their safety.