Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) issued a statement Saturday addressing an online campaign targeting a local man over alleged animal care issues, warning against doxxing, harassment, and threats of violence.

In the statement, LCPD emphasized its commitment to thorough investigations and constitutional principles.

“The Lincoln City Police Department takes great pride in its history of thorough and professional investigations and every member here is an animal lover,” the statement reads. “We also place great value on the U.S. Constitution which we have sworn to uphold. Under the American system of laws citizens are free from arrest without Probable Cause.”

LCPD contracts Animal Services through the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and coordinates investigations into animal-related complaints with LCSO deputies who have specialized expertise.

According to the department, it has received 21 complaints over the past nine months regarding one individual and animal care. Many were second-hand reports stemming from online videos, with some originating from repeat callers who reportedly hold personal vendettas unrelated to the animal.

LCPD officers physically evaluated the dog five times, each time finding it uninjured. The department referred the matter to Animal Services Deputies on three occasions. LCSO Animal Services conducted six separate investigations. In total, at least 12 trained law enforcement officers from both agencies have been involved, with none developing probable cause that a crime occurred.

The statement cautions residents about the influence of social media:

“In today’s age it is easy to become spun up over social media hype and fall in line with others who may have ulterior motives. We urge our fellow citizens to think critically but absolutely support the right of Americans to seek change, peacefully protest, and live with the peace of mind that mob-rule does not govern our Community. If you do not agree with a law, work to change it. If you think some profession should require licensure, talk to your elected representative. Most of all, treat each other civilly.”

LCPD concluded by warning that those involved in conspiracies to commit violence could face charges.

“Lastly, let it be known, those who engage in conspiracy to commit violence in our Community, can all be charged for that violence. We will not tolerate acts of violence.”

Animal complaints in Lincoln City should be reported to LCPD non-emergency at 541-994-3636. Formal Animal Services are handled through the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.