Dec. 19, 2007
King County and Pasado's Safe Haven rescue emaciated farm animals in Covington
King County Animal Care and Control investigators are working with law enforcement officials on a case involving a large number of emaciated livestock and fowl found in unhealthy conditions at a Covington property. The investigation is ongoing and it appears the animals are suffering from starvation.
King County staff worked throughout the day in partnership with Pasado's Safe Haven to confiscate and provide medical treatment for a large number of animals, including horses, goats, sheep, calves, roosters, peacocks, and a llama.
Animal Care and Control Sergeant Dave Morris, the primary investigator on the case, responded to the scene after a resident reported seeing a fallen horse in a field. After discovering the large number of animals in potential need of medical attention, Sgt. Morris worked quickly to obtain a search warrant to confiscate the animals and enlisted the help of Pasado's Safe Haven and of its extensive volunteer team.
Together, Pasado's Safe Haven and King County Animal Care and Control officers safely transported the livestock and captured a number of roosters, hens and geese running about the property.
"Pasado's Safe Haven is very grateful to have been called in to assist with this rescue," said Pasado's Investigator Kim Koon. "We hope to continue to work together to build and create stronger laws against this kind of situation."
As is customary with animal cruelty investigations, additional details about the case can not be revealed until the case is solved or closed. The animal owner or owners could face felony first degree animal cruelty charges and if convicted could face time in jail.
Updates on this case will be available at http://www.kingcounty.gov/animals/.
King County Animal Care and Control has served residents of unincorporated King County and all cities except Seattle, Renton, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Milton, and Medina since 1972 by promoting and enforcing humane treatment of animals. King County provides field enforcement services for over 2,200 square miles. Services include animal rescue, cruelty and neglect investigations, enforcement of animal ordinances and control of dangerous, stray and loose animals and livestock. For more information, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/animals/ or call 206-296-PETS (7387).