Richland man charged with 9 counts of Animal Neglect
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
RICHLAND, OR — A Richland man who recently had 12 dogs removed from his home due to unsanitary living conditions has been charged. Back on December 26th, 2025, personnel with the Baker County Sheriff’s Office removed 12 medium-sized, mixed breed dogs on Summit Creek Road in Richland.
According to a BCSO release, “Upon arrival [of deputies], it was clear the conditions of the residence were unsuitable for the dogs living there. The living conditions were described as deplorable, with an overwhelming smell of pet urine and feces.”
After removing the dogs, Sheriff Ash submitted a report to the District Attorney’s Office describing the conditions and living situation. Baker County District Attorney Greg Baxter issued a warrant for 9 counts of Animal Neglect II.
On January 23rd, 2026, a BCSO Deputy served the arrest warrant on Robert Richard Ward III, 47, of Richland, OR, who was already lodged in Baker County Jail. Ward is currently being held on the Animal Neglect charges as well as Failure to Report as a Sex Offender, Improper Use of 911 and Fugitive in the State of Idaho. He was first booked into jail on December 23, 2025.
Read the BCSO press release from December, below:
(From the Baker County Sheriff’s Office)
