The following is a statement from the Department of Finance and Administrative Services spokesperson Melissa Mixon regarding an animal cruelty investigation.
An individual is in custody on animal cruelty charges after a search warrant issued today by members of the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Animal Shelter found more than 200 live animals in a home in West Seattle. An unknown number of deceased animals were also discovered in a second home on the property. Investigators are still working to determine the exact amount.
Seattle Animal Shelter Director Ann Graves described the scene in the homes as one of the most severe cases of animal neglect and cruelty she has seen in her 20-year career.
The retrieved animals include dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. The animals are being moved to the Seattle Animal Shelter for evaluation and care.
Because this is an ongoing investigation, we are limited in what we can say so as not to jeopardize the investigation and due process.
Seattle Animal Shelter is authorized under City code to investigate cases and bring forth charges of animal cruelty. First degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.
As in many animal welfare cases, the discovery and seizure of these animals was in part thanks to a vigilant community member who saw something and said something. It’s a reminder to all of us that animals don’t have a voice and that’s why it’s so important for us all to remain vigilant and help speak for them when something seems wrong.