CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Sitting in a vehicle, Lucy Kagan held two dogs that were released back to her yesterday by the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Seized pets
released to ownerThe Humane Society returns 11
animals confiscated from a condo
A Hawaii Kai woman recovered some of the 27 dogs and two cats seized by Hawaiian Humane Society officials from her condominium May 7 after firefighters responding to a fire discovered the animals living in squalor.
Lucy Kagan walked out of the humane society's Waialae Avenue shelter yesterday with a big grin, holding J.R., one of the puppies taken from her two months ago.
"They all look good. I'm really happy," said Kagan.
Eleven dogs, as well as three Maltese-mix puppies that were born at the humane society, were released to Kagan yesterday.
Meanwhile, the city Prosecutor's Office is reviewing possible criminal charges of animal cruelty against Kagan. Cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
"We firmly believe that there's enough evidence to bring charges of animal cruelty against Lucy Kagan," said Pam Burns, executive director of the Hawaiian Humane Society. "We certainly hope that proceeds."
The release of the animals to Kagan was based on the advice of the humane society's attorney, Jan Futa, and an agreement that Kagan met by having the animals licensed and taking them to a building other than her Hawaii Kai condominium, Burns said.
Twenty-seven dogs and two cats -- living in close quarters amid roaches, trash and feces -- were removed from Kagan's Hawaii Kai condominium.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Lucy Kagan and Hawaiian Humane Society workers carried dogs to a waiting van. Eleven mature dogs and three puppies were released to her yesterday.
Some Hawaii residents who purchased puppies from Kagan were outraged after they saw the conditions the animals were living in. Some also complained that Kagan did not provide pedigree papers for animals they purchased after she told them she would do so.
Burns said Kagan has continued to sell dogs through advertisements in local newspapers.
Kagan's attorney, David Klein, said: "There was proper care that has been given to the animals at all times."
Burns said the animals have been licensed and will be cared for at a Windward Oahu private residence. Two humane society officials have inspected the site to make sure the animals are well taken care of, she said. Unannounced inspections will also be administered.
Burns said the humane society has spent about $3,500 for veterinary costs for the animals.
Two Pomeranians, a poodle, a Tonkinese cat and Siamese cat will stay at the humane society until ownership of the animals can be determined.
"There are potentially multiple owners. That's what we need to straighten out with Ms. Kagan," Burns said.
On May 9, Norman Texeira, who earlier described himself as Kagan's boss, reclaimed 10 dogs at the humane society. Two other dogs were claimed by other owners, Burns added. Two weeks later, a miniature pinscher puppy died of a physiological deformity at a veterinary clinic.
Burns said she had learned from Klein that the puppies have been presold and that the dogs will be kept for breeding.
"Here we go again," she said.
Burns recommended that in general, potential pet owners should get written documents of the animal's health and pedigree before purchasing the animal.
