The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) is calling on community to help find forever homes for animals who were rescued in two seizure cases.  

Up to 370 animals, including cats, rabbits and Guinea Pig, that were rescued from two homes are now up for adoption at the shelter.

“We have been so grateful for the generosity of our community, especially the past year when we handled one of the largest animal seizure cases of our shelter’s history,” said Jocelyn Bouchard, Deputy Division Director of SAS. “We need help finding great forever homes for these animals now that they’re available for adoption.” 

SAS field staff recently responded to a call from a concerned neighbor and seized more than 70 cats from a 240 square foot studio apartment in downtown Seattle. The seizure is the second largest intake in less than six months and comes on the heels of SAS’ largest animal rescue to date. 

In that case, in October 2020, SAS removed 220 animals from a property in West Seattle following the successful execution of a search warrant by the shelter and Seattle Police Department. The animals, which were discovered in cages inside and outside a home on the property, were treated at the shelter for severe neglect and malnourishment.  

After months of care at the shelter and in volunteer foster homes, the animals were surrendered to the shelter in early 2021. Now healthy and having received excellent care by SAS staff at the shelter and volunteers in foster homes, the animals are ready to find new families and be welcomed into loving forever homes. SAS is offering that prospective adopters who fall in love with two guinea pigs, will only pay one adoption fee ($15.00). 

In the most recent case, where cats were seized from a studio apartment, the owner is being cooperative and it appears to be a situation that quickly grew out of control. SAS has reached out to its volunteer foster parents, their shelter partners and the public for support for the care and adoption of the cats.   

The resident in the October case at the property in West Seattle faces animal cruelty charges. First degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both. 

Ways to Help  

To learn more and see the available animals visit https://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/find-an-animal/adopt  

To donate visit https://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/get-involved/donate 

If you have an animal related concern or suspect cruelty or that someone may need assistance with their animals visit https://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/animal-control