ROSEBURG, Ore. – A Roseburg man is facing jail time and probation after pleading no contest to two charges of first-degree animal neglect in connection with his dog training business. The case, which involved multiple complaints from dog owners, has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of animals entrusted to professional trainers.
Haden Dorsey, 45, was the subject of a police investigation that began in 2022 after several dog owners reported that their pets had been seriously abused while under his care. The owners claimed their dogs suffered from severe injuries, including stomach ruptures, infections, and other forms of mistreatment, allegedly at the hands of Dorsey, who was operating a dog training business at the time.
In January 2023, Dorsey was formally arraigned on five charges of first-degree animal neglect. However, after a lengthy legal process, Dorsey ultimately entered a no contest plea to two of the charges. The remaining three charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
On April 30, 2025, the court sentenced Dorsey to 113 days in the Douglas County Jail, followed by 18 months of bench probation. As part of his sentence, Dorsey has been prohibited from owning or possessing a dog for the next five years. Additionally, a separate charge of trespassing, which was also part of the case, was dismissed.
The case has sparked outrage among local residents and animal welfare advocates, who have called for stronger regulations and oversight of animal care professionals. Many are questioning how such abuse could have gone undetected for as long as it did, given the severity of the injuries reported by the dog owners.
While Dorsey’s legal troubles may be coming to an end, the lasting impact on the dogs and their owners is likely to continue. For those who trusted Dorsey with the care of their pets, the case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of carefully vetting anyone involved in animal training or care.
