Hoarding: 100 dogs found at Issaquah and Burien houses

In what was described as “animal hoarding, King County detectives and animal control officers raided a Burien house last night about 6:15 p.m. and seized 38 Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Chin dogs. All were in relatively poor health and kept in extremely dirty dog crates. Fourteen were immediately taken to a veterinarian’s office and nine were euthanized. More dogs were later found at an Issaquah residence.

October 7, 2011 8:17 pm

In what was described as “animal hoarding, King County detectives and animal control officers raided a Burien house last night about 6:15 p.m. and seized 38 Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Chin dogs. All were in relatively poor health and kept in extremely dirty dog crates. Fourteen were immediately taken to a veterinarian’s office and nine were euthanized.

A man at the Burien residence said the majority of the dogs were his, and claimed some were show dogs.

More dogs were later found at an Issaquah residence.

Detectives and animal control officer subsequently served a search warrant at a residence in the 5900 block of 189th Ave SE and found another 62 dogs. These animals were in relatively good health and in clean crates, but due to the condition of the house, the dogs were taken by Regional Animal Services of King County, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation into the Burien residence began after the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Pasado’s Safe Haven. They received a tip about conditions at the house and gathered additional information. That, coupled with the investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, led to a search warrant.

Burien detectives and Sheriff’s Office detectives were assisted by Burien’s Community Animal Resource and Education Society (CARES), as well as Regional Animal Services of King County, which sent six officers and a vet technician to assist at the Issaquah location.

“This was a very quick and coordinated effort by all involved”, said Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer. “My thanks to Burien’s CARES staff, the Sheriff Office, and Regional Animal Services of King County personnel. Everyone worked well into the night on this investigation,” he added.

Debra George, Director of CARES of Burien explained that the dogs are receiving proper care and will need homes. She also said, “Our first concern is the health and well-being of the dogs, so all of them are being checked out and treated at local veterinary offices. We want to thank everyone who helped out in this trying situation”.

The Sheriff’s Office investigation into both locations is continuing. So far there have been no arrests but felony and/or misdemeanor charges are said possible.