Whatcom Humane Society offering help after more than 100 puppies seized in Skagit County
The Whatcom Human Society has already sent a truckload of supplies and is standing ready to help neighbors to the south after more than 100 puppies were seized from “abysmal” living conditions in Skagit County.
The Humane Society of Skagit Valley took control of the puppies on Sept. 2 in an animal neglect cruelty criminal case, according to a post on its website, saying that “the condition they were in was abysmal; it is awful and heartbreaking.”
According to a KING-5 story Monday, Sept. 20, on the seizure a total of 126 puppies were seized from a property near Sedro-Woolley and Skagit Valley officials believe it was either a puppy mill or a hoarding situation.
Due to the sheer number of animals needing emergent care from the incident, the Humane Society of Skagit Valley reported via Facebook on Sept. 10 that it was at intake capacity and is unable to take strays or surrenders. KING-5 reported the organization’s doors will remain closed for the foreseeable future, allowing workers an opportunity to care for the dogs.
Whatcom Humane Society Laura Clark said her team is willing and already has offered assistance to its Skagit Valley neighbors.
“We are in regular communication with our colleagues at Skagit Humane and standing by to provide whatever assistance we are able while they navigate the situation,” Clark told The Bellingham Herald in an email Tuesday morning, Sept. 20.
“Because the animals are still considered ‘evidence’ in an ongoing court case, we are not yet able to transfer any of the dogs into our care. When that changes, we will be ready to assist however needed.”
Adding that “it takes a village” to manage an incident like the one in Skagit County, Clark said that the Whatcom Humane Society delivered a truckload of supplies to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley and will continue to offer assistance and supplies as the officials there need and request.
The Humane Society of Skagit Valley said it has had a number of volunteers and groomers step up, but it is still asking for cash donations and supplies to help with the recovery plan for the puppies. The organization says all money raised through “Operation Puppy Love” will go toward the care and rehabilitation of the puppies that were seized.
“Since their arrival at our shelter we have seen the community respond by offering much-needed donations as well as their time as volunteers to feed, clean, medicate, and groom these little furbabies in need,” the organization wrote on its website. “While the need is still great, we are full of hope that we can continue to turn things around for these canines and give them a second chance at a brand new life full of love and all the good things they deserve after enduring such unimaginable hardship.
