On Wednesday, February 13, KOMO news reported that the site of an ex-puppy mill went up in flames. The Ferndale, WA property, located at the 7100 block of West 40th Street, belonged to Kenneth Cassell, who was convicted of three counts of animal cruelty in the second degree in April, 2012. Cassell was questioned and booked into jail for investigation of arson.
Firefighters responded to the fire at 11:00 a.m.; at that time, they did not know if the owner was present.
"That made the fire response nervous," stated Scott Rossmiller with the Whatcom County Sheriff's office.
Fortunately, there were no animals on the property at the time of the fire and no one was reported to be injured.
While the cause of the fire is unknown at this time, Whatcom County deputies believe that it may have been intentionally set. Public records indicate that the property was scheduled to be sold in a foreclosure auction tomorrow.
Cassell was convicted of second degree animal cruelty after 48 miniature Australian Shepherds were seized from his home in 2012. Whatcom Humane Society found the dogs in a locked barn.
According to the Bellingham Herald, Cassell received 10 days in jail and was banned from ever owning an animal again.
Cassell is scheduled to appear in court this afternoon for the alleged arson case.
Updates to this case will be posted as they occur.
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