Animals found in 'deplorable conditions' on West Bowie Road
Employees of SCRAPS remove some of the mistreated dogs from a Medical Lake-area residence on April 26.
Officers of the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) raided a Medical Lake-area home on the 21000 block of West Bowie Road April 26 and discovered a suspected puppy mill containing dozens of dogs and several cats.
According to a news release, authorities seized 43 dogs ranging in age from puppies to adults and including pregnant and nursing females. In addition, three cats were also brought in as well.
According to Ashley Proszek, SCRAPS field operations manager, complaints that led to the warrant had come in from people who had purchased animals from the kennel and found the dogs to be sick, underweight and dirty. That investigation began early in April.
The operation took nine hours to complete and came as result of a search-and-seizure warrant on what were described as "deplorable conditions." The animals had food but no water
SCRAPS was alerted to the location by community members who reported their concerns. SCRAPS partner, SpokAnimal assisted in the rescue by providing post-rescue care.
The unnamed property owner is being cited for violation of the Revised Code of Washington and Spokane County Code including animal cruelty in the first-degree (RCW 16.52.205), animal cruelty in the second-degree (RCW 16.52.207), transporting or confining animals in an unsafe manner (RCW 16.52.080) and operation of an illegal commercial kennel (SCC 5.04.042).
The first-degree citation carries a felony conviction with possible jail time and fines, while the others are misdemeanors with fines only. The scope of this case, one of the larger in Proszek's memory, could result in the issue going to court.
The identity of the kennel operator was not released.
Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.
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