Tumalo man who had 33 Toy Australian Shepherds seized has a criminal history, including previous charges involving dogs
Barney Lerten
(Update: adding new details about the seizures, the criminal history of the suspect)
TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ is learning new information about the past and present of a Tumalo man who had 33 Toy Australian Shepherds seized from his property, which was found covered in feces. Most of the dogs were newborn puppies, and some couldn’t even open their eyes.
Through public records, KTVZ obtained documents showing David De Persio, 38, has a criminal history, including a conviction for a theft in Chelan, Washington, in 2006.
2006 conviction for theft in Chelan, Washington.
Then, in 2013, at the very property where those Australian Shepherds were seized, De Persio was charged four times with maintaining a dog considered a public nuisance. The court records show the charges were dismissed, but didn’t provide clarification.
Screenshot of the charges De Presio faced in 2013.
In 2015, he submitted a guilty plea, saying he admitted to knowingly eluding a police officer in Deschutes County, despite visible and audible warnings.
2015 guilty plea by David De Persio for eluding a police officer.
For his latest suspected crimes, David De Persio now faces 33 charges of animal neglect and one charge of lying to a peace officer.
“The property owner, 38-year-old David De Persio, admitted to hiding the dogs at a second property he owns and providing false information to deputies,” Carr said.
Following the initial seizure, it was discovered that more dogs were being kept at another property next door. Deputy Benn Smith — working closely with Animal Control Technicians Michelle White and Mariya Leufven — followed up on tips from concerned neighbors.
“Their investigation led to the discovery of 21 more dogs at an adjacent property owned by De Persio,” Carr said. “Fifteen of these dogs are young puppies, now in the care of the Humane Society of Central Oregon and, in some cases, reunited with a nursing mother.”
While no new formal charges have yet been filed, Carr said the sheriff’s office is adding a charge of interfering with a peace officer for withholding information about the dogs’ location.
This case began on Sunday, August 3rd, when Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at De Persio’s Tumalo property.
“Firefighters observed dogs living in filthy conditions and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Smith responded and located 12 Toy Australian Shepherds and found extensive accumulations of animal waste inside the residence,” Carr said.
The dogs were voluntarily surrendered to HSCO, and De Persio was cited for second-degree animal neglect, elevated to a Class C Felony under Oregon law due to more than 11 animals involved.
Eight of the original dogs have since been adopted into new homes.
Adoption InformationThe Humane Society of Central Oregon is currently providing medical evaluations, treatment, and daily care for the 21 additional dogs and puppies from the latest seizure. Updated adoption information will be available soon.
Anyone interested in adoption can visit HSCO at 61170 SE 27th Street in Bend or visit www.hsco.org for updates.
Community members who want to help but are not able to adopt can make a donation to support the ongoing care of these dogs and others in need by visiting www.hsco.org.