Pierce County animal control officers removed 15 dogs and two cats from a property this week after investigators said the animals were being kept in “deplorable
Pierce County animal control officers removed 15 dogs and two cats from a property this week after investigators said the animals were being kept in “deplorable conditions” at what was reportedly being run as a dog rescue.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control responded Sept. 21, 2026, to complaints about the property.
When officers arrived, they found 15 dogs — including two with injuries — confined to small crates inside a garage with no access to food or water. Deputies also observed signs that some of the dogs had likely been confined to their crates for extended periods of time.
In a second garage, Animal Control found two cats confined to cages without access to clean food or water. The sheriff’s office said it appeared the cats had been without proper food and water for about five days.
On Sept. 22, 2026, the sheriff’s office said a warrant was obtained to remove all of the animals.
The 15 dogs and two cats were safely removed and taken to a licensed rescue, where they will receive care, food, water, and medical attention as needed.
Investigators said the people at the residence did not have a kennel license and did not have the resources necessary to properly operate an animal rescue.
The sheriff’s office noted there are limits on how many animals a household can keep without proper licensing, and that in Pierce County, households are generally limited to five dogs and cats combined. Additional licensing or permitting may be required to keep more than the allowed number of animals, the agency said.
Animal cruelty charges in the case will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review, according to the sheriff’s office.
