The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and animal control officers have shared how they rescued 68 dogs from deplorable conditions at a home in Washington.
The investigation was initiated after a concerned citizen reported purchasing a King Charles Spaniel from the home. The puppy, unfortunately, fell ill and tested positive for parvovirus—a highly contagious and life-threatening disease in dogs that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and even death.
Animal control officers and Pierce County deputies arrived at the home on July 18, where they discovered 68 dogs inside a double-wide trailer. Many of them were confined to cages that were too small and they had no available water.
“There were many dogs caged all around the house and approximately 4-6 female dogs with litters of puppies loose inside the trailer,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said in a post on Facebook.
“There were dogs and puppies found sick and lethargic. One puppy was immediately transported to a vet for emergency care, but died while in route, and two additional puppies were humanely euthanized due to testing positive for parvovirus and being too sick,” the department explained.
Further testing revealed additional puppies with the virus, who have since been given treatment and placed under observation. Since the rescue, possible animal cruelty charges have been forwarded to a prosecutor for review. According to Shelter Animals Count, a data collecting source for animal statistics, globally at least one animal is abused every 60 seconds. While close to 10 million animals die from abuse or cruelty annually in the U.S.
After the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department shared the story on Facebook, many people shared their reactions in the comments.
“Sick people! Lock them up. Praying these pups will find good homes and unconditional love that they deserve,” Lindsay wrote.
