Children removed from home where animals freely defecating

TACOMA, Wash. — Two children were removed from a home after they were found alone in a home with a lot of animal waste and no food.

Officers were called to the 800 block of South M Street in Tacoma around 11:30 p.m. for a report of a woman screaming.

When officers arrived at the home, they found two children, ages 14 and 5, as well as three cats and a dog, but no adults.

Police deemed the home, where animals were freely defecating, unsafe for the children, Tacoma police officer Loretta Cool said.

Authorities at Child Protective Services were called to investigate and the children were placed in their custody.

Officers said they eventually located the children's mother, who told police she had been working at a friend's house to make some extra money to pay for pet supplies.

Animal Control will respond to the home later Tuesday, according to police.

KIRO