Monday, November 14, 2011

More than 150 animals seized from single property in Kitsap



Maria Arcega-Dunn

Animal control officers seized more than 150 animals Thursday from a single family's home and property in Kitsap County, including more than 80 rabbits, up to 80 birds, miniature horses and even alpacas and llamas.
Animal welfare workers said the animals were neglected by their owner and were found living in dire conditions with very little food.
"There was not enough food here to take care of animals for more than a day," said Jake Shapley of the Kitsap Humane Society.  'Let's just say the conditions are not acceptable."
Workers found more than 80 rabbits, 50 to 80 birds, miniature horses, goats, sheep, pigs and a dozen cats and dogs. Two alpacas and two llamas were also found living on the cluttered property in Olalla, Washington.
"A lot of scattered vehicles and debris, and a lot of garbage, some building materials, all sorts of things," Shapley said of the property.
Kitsap Humane Society veterinarian Melissa Kehl said the living conditions were unhealthy, with water full of algae and with hundreds of cages stacked one on top of the other.
"They deserve better. They deserve bigger space, warm conditions, good food, good clean water. They just deserve better, and they weren't getting that," Kehl said.
Animal control officers said they were called to the property in April and have visited numerous times since, including three different times in October. Because the owner failed to comply and adequately care for the animals, officers served a search warrant and seized all the animals..."  More & video


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