Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton and Lieutenant Shane Nelson have been named to a national top ten list honoring law enforcement officers fighting animal cruelty. Lisa Franzetta of the Animal Legal Defense Fund says Deschutes County has went the extra step by having a facility to house large animals that have been abused: “And we have actually seen these two gentlemen from Deschutes County demonstrate that law enforcement can actually take that step to ensure there will be treatment for abused animals. And in that way ensure they can assure justice for the abused animals.” Franzetta says often law enforcement leave animals with the abuser because there is nowhere to take the animal. She adds that Deschutes County is a great example of actions she would like to see other law enforcement agencies taking to protect animals while cases are being investigated or prosecuted.