Regional Animal Services of King County and the Seattle Animal Shelter are teaming up to help find permanent homes for the Chihuahuas confiscated in Issaquah’s October animal cruelty case.

The pups had be stored in small, filthy kennels and had little contact with people or other dogs and little veterinarian care.

Animal control took the animals as soon as they discovered them, cleaned them up, and they’ve been growing healthier since.

The pups still need a lot of care and attention, said RASKC operations manager Glynis Frederiksen. “By joining forces, we can get these pets into loving homes that much quicker.”

Margaret Hamilton, the woman convicted of animal cruelty, was fined $35,500 and only allowed to keep three puppies, provided the state is allowed to give them regular check ups.

For people interested in a dog they can stop by the King County Pet Adoption Center, 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent, or the Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W. in Seattle.

Facility hours are posted on the agencies’ websites, www.kingcounty.gov/pets or ww.seattleanimalshelter.org.