PUYALLUP, Wash. — An animal cruelty investigation is underway after 17 pets were taken from a Puyallup home that did not have a kennel license.
On Sept. 21, Pierce County Sheriff’s Animal Control responded to complaints regarding a property reportedly operating a dog rescue under “deplorable conditions.”
“In Pierce County, households are generally limited to five dogs and cats combined. If you plan to keep more than the allowed number of animals, additional licensing or permitting may be required.
If you are considering operating a rescue, foster program, kennel, or otherwise caring for a large number of animals, make sure you understand and follow the applicable licensing and animal welfare requirements before bringing additional animals into your care. These requirements help ensure that animals have adequate space, food, water, shelter, and proper care," the sheriff’s office reminded.
The sheriff’s office said that when Animal Control arrived, they found 15 dogs (two of which were injured) confined to small crates inside a garage with no access to food or water.
It appeared that some dogs were likely confined to their crates for extended periods of time, the sheriff’s office said.
Two cats were found inside a second garage, confined to small crates with no access to food or water. According to the sheriff’s office, the cats appeared to have been without proper food or water for five days.
The pets were seized from the property on Sept. 22 and taken to a licensed rescue, where they will get proper care and medical attention.