Deplorable conditions found in animal neglect case

August 12, 1:53 PMTacoma Dogs ExaminerPenny Eims

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It happens all too often, officials are alerted to a case of possible animal hoarding or of an abusive situation and dogs are confiscated from a personal residence. King5 shared details of one such case in Bothell, WA just last week.

Concerned neighbors reported a possible case of animal hoarding to King County Animal Control officers.  A search warrant was obtained and the dog owners turned their animals over to King County. After the residence was inspected by the fire department, the home was deemed unfit to be lived in.

The six dogs removed from the home have been taken in by Pasado's Safe Haven.  Pasados reports that the small breed dogs are suffering from hideously matted fur, rotting teeth, painfully long nails and a variety of ongoing infections. Pasados is hopeful that the dogs will recover, but admits that it will be a long-haul for dogs suffering from such obvious neglect. 

Pasado's cruelty investigator went through the home with King county animal control and a haz-mat team. They report of almost unbearable stench, rat and dog feces and so much clutter that it was hard to get through the home.  It is unimaginable that anything could survive in such conditions.

Sadly, this isn't the first time that officials have been called out to this location. Back in 2002, dozens of cats were seized from the same home. A recent increase in complaints from neighbors brought animal control back to the residence and current conditions were found to be so deplorable that animal abuse charges may be filed.  Thankfully, neighbors took the time to report these conditions to authorities, or the abuse and neglect may have gone on for much, much longer.

This is a reminder to all readers, please DO speak up if you feel that something is awry with the care of pets by one of your neighbors. The animals do not have a voice and they rely on the kindness and compassion of others.  I would encourage you to visit the Pasado's Safe Haven website and look at the photos of the dogs that were rescued. You will be shocked and horrified by the condition that they were in at the time they were surrendered. It never fails to amaze me that anyone could treat another living creature in this manner.