Kennel owner says charges 'unfounded'

The owner of a South Salt Lake kennel recently shut down by police says the charges against him are exaggerated.

Randal and Stephanie Evans, who ran the Hope Haven Animal Rescue, were charged Tuesday in South Salt Lake Municipal Court with nearly a dozen class B and C misdemeanors, including three counts of animal cruelty, air pollution, unsanitary conditions, disturbing the peace, too many animals, no permit and no business or animal licenses.

"The claims of animal cruelty are definitely unfounded," Evans said.

A total of 35 cats, 26 dogs, three birds and two rabbits were seized by animal control officers March 16 after police served a warrant on the warehouse the Evanses were renting near 2600 South and 1000 West. Two of the cats had to be euthanized.

Evans admitted he was guilty of not having proper permits or licenses but seemed to have an explanation for the other accusations levied against him.

He said he did the best he could to cut down on the noise and odor and even added insulation to the warehouse to prevent the barking noises from going into an adjacent business. Evans said he believed he had solved the problem.

"I don't believe I was disturbing any neighbors around us either with odor or noise," he said.

Evans said the kennel had not been cleaned yet on the day police arrived or it would have been much better. He conceded, however, that the warehouse was not the best facility for the pets and not his first choice.

"We thought we could make it work. We found out within the first month it was just too difficult," he said.

The two cats were euthanized because they bit animal control officers and had to be checked for rabies, Evans said.

Animal control officers confirm the cats did bite people but added that one of the cats had mites.

A small dog had to be treated for dehydration. But Evans classified that as only a precaution.

Evans said he cares very much for the animals. He said he's had some of them for two to three years.

Some officials and third-party observers, however, questioned whether his intentions were misguided or if he got in over his head. Others pointed out there is a difference between running a pet sanctuary and an adoption center.