Snake owner accused of freezing newborn puppies for feed facing animal abuse charges

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The woman accused of feeding her pet snakes with several litters of frozen newborn puppies was recently indicted for animal abuse, according to court records.

Investigators who searched Kathryn Sullivan’s home in Goble, Ore. say they discovered at least 19 dead puppies, one prohibited snake and two restricted snakes on March 22.

The puppies were taken to the Oregon Humane Society to determine a cause of death. Officials later learned Sullivan had suffocated and frozen several litters of puppies “in the immediate presence of a minor child,” according to court records.

Oregon law protects domestic animals, including cats and dogs. Authorities say snake owners should follow diets recommended by pet shop owners and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which handles snake permitting.

“There’s a wide variety of snake food, rats, mice, things like that available through your pet store, alive or frozen,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley previously told KOIN 6 News. “Exotic creatures like these have a very specific diet, so it’s better for the health of the animal to make sure you’re sticking to the diet.”

Sullivan faces 38 counts of felony aggravated animal abuse and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.