Progress continues in the recovery of dozens of dogs rescued from severe hoarding and breeding conditions in Marysville.
Progress continues in the recovery of dozens of dogs rescued from severe hoarding and breeding conditions in Marysville.
Everett Animal Shelter staff now have full responsibility for the 44 dogs, which include 42 West Highland White Terriers and two other dogs, seized Aug. 31 as part of an animal abuse investigation in cooperation with the Marysville Police Department.
The shelter began providing medical care, grooming and vaccinations after the dogs were transferred from a utility trailer described by police as containing stacked kennels, makeshift partitions and a plastic tub for puppies.
Officials said many of the dogs arrived heavily matted, urine-soaked and covered in feces, with some showing medical distress and most with no previous experience on a leash.
The dogs range in age from four weeks to four years, and none had been spayed or neutered at the time of intake.
Everett Animal Shelter reported that the recent legal release of the dogs to their care marks a key step forward.
Staff can now start grooming each dog, scheduling spay and neuter surgeries, and contacting people interested in adoption.
The shelter is no longer accepting adoption applications after more than 250 came in soon after the rescue.
Shelter authorities expressed deep gratitude for the support they have received. “You can donate on our website, or you are more than welcome to come in and foster other animals or volunteer your time,” said Leslie Wall, assistant animal services manager at the shelter.
Donations, messages and offers from across the country have helped sustain staff through some of the most challenging weeks of care.
Sanitation and medical needs have placed major demands on shelter staff and volunteers.
Shelter employees said the work has been “intense and emotional.” Community Service Officer Joie Mette said, “They all have something wrong with them. I'm going through the medical reports now, and every single one of them has something, but all of that can be taken care of with time.”
Marysville police have recommended 42 counts of second-degree animal cruelty against the owner, Lance Blodgett, who faces a gross misdemeanor.
He could receive a maximum of 365 days in jail and a fine up to $5,000 for each dog. Marysville police also submitted 43 counts of animal cruelty and one breeding-related charge to the prosecutor.
