46-year-old man sentenced to 2 years of bench probation and 10 days in jail in animal abuse case involving deceased dog

Eugene, OR – A Eugene man has been sentenced in connection with a 2024 animal abuse case that resulted in the death of a dog left in a hot vehicle.

Joshua Makii McFarland pleaded guilty to first-degree animal abuse and was sentenced to 24 months of bench probation and 10 days in jail. As part of the sentence, McFarland is prohibited by statute from owning or possessing a dog for the next 15 years.

He also received 18 months of supervised probation for a possession of methamphetamine charge, which includes mandatory treatment as directed by his parole officer and a prohibition on the use of intoxicants without a valid prescription.

The charges stem from a June 23, 2024, incident in which Eugene Police responded to the Navigation Center on River Avenue after a dog was found dead inside a vehicle. The vehicle also contained another dog, an older Labrador. Investigators determined that both animals had been left in the vehicle during hot weather conditions.

McFarland and Shayla Rose McFarland, both of whom had been staying at the center, were later located and arrested on January 12.

Joshua McFarland was taken into custody near Lone Oak and Division Avenue, while Shayla McFarland was found inside a Fred Meyer store on Division Avenue.

Both were arrested on charges of first- and second-degree animal neglect. Joshua McFarland also faced an additional charge for possession of methamphetamine.

The case drew public attention due to the severity of the neglect and the resulting harm to the animals.