Lieutenant Shane Nelson

Lieutenant Shane Nelson has been in law enforcement in Oregon for more than 16 years. As the Administrative Lieutenant of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Shane oversees the office’s Large Animal Rescue, Civil Division, Human Resources Division, Community Events Coordinator, and Animal Control Officers.  He is also the Accreditation Manager and Alarm Ordinance Manager.

In December 2010 the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a $3,900 grant from the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF). The money will be used by Lt. Shane Nelson and Sheriff Larry Blanton to maintain the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office 23 acre Livestock Rescue & Shelter. The shelter program provides care for neglected, abused and abandoned livestock who are seized during investigations. Shane explains, "The sheriff’s office will respond to all reported animal abuse complaints and conduct an on-site investigation. If we find that the owners have fallen on hard economic times, we will connect them with agencies that can help provide food and care for the animals." Shane and the Sheriff’s Office are committed to ensuring that all animals are treated humanely and are being provided care that is in accordance with the Minimum Care Standard. Scott Heiser, the Director of ALDF’s Criminal Justice Program, toured the Livestock Rescue & Shelter and expressed his support for the model saying, “It is unprecedented for a county sheriff to operate an animal rescue and manage the care of animals seized in criminal cruelty cases.”

In addition to his work, Shane is an active member of the community, coordinating and coaching in the Redmond Youth Football Program. He was born and raised in Bend.  Shane and Lisa, his wife of 11years, have four school-age children.