Sheriff seizes animals in cruelty investigation

Mason County Sheriff's Office deputies seized more than 60 dogs and one horse from a woman in Grapeview during an animal cruelty investigation, according to a MCSO news release.

Deputies confiscated animals on the property Sunday, April 14, with support from the Humane Society of Mason County volunteers.

"This incident occurred in the Grapeview area. We are currently serving a search warrant at the location and working with outside agencies, including the Humane Society, to ensure these animals receive the care they need," according to MCSO.

Law enforcement and volunteer vehicles lined the dirt road along the property's boundary, which is off the Grapeview Loop, on Tuesday.

HSMC President Katherine Johnson spoke with the Journal outside the wooded area, where rescue groups were entering and leaving the property, collecting dogs.

"Everyone is dehydrated and emaciated," Johnson said about the seized dogs.

She said seven of the dogs were taken immediately for emergency treatment.

"Some of them are so dehydrated," Johnson said. She was worried about kidney damage, but as of now, all the dogs are alive.

There was also one horse seized and one horse found dead, according to MCSO.

Johnson said a few cats were found on the land, but it was unclear if they lived there.

"One neighbor said a cat was hers," Johnson said.

A surrender notice was served on the landowner Sunday morning, according to Johnson. The woman was arrested for animal cruelty and is in the Mason County Jail. She has not been charged as of Wednesday at the Journal's press time.

HSMC got a call from deputies about the impending seizure and volunteers came out to the land Sunday.

"We've been working with the sheriff on the case," Johnson said.

She made a map of the area and gave each dog a number. The dogs were spread across the property in crates, pens and fences and some were running free, she said. There are hounds, standard poodles, Chihuahuas, dachshunds and cattle dogs between 6 months and 12 years old.

Johnson said the woman arrested was a breeder and would take dogs to sell by a local fire station.

Animal rescue groups from around Western Washington, including Thurston, Pierce, Kitsap and King counties have mobilized to help, according to Johnson.

While she was talking in the property's driveway, a volunteer approached to say a van from Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal sanctuary in the Seattle area, was on its way to pick up some of the large dogs.

Johnson is thankful for all the groups that stepped in to help, as well as Mason County deputies, who were there Tuesday controlling access to the scene, and Pierce County Animal Control, which helped Mason County deputies with surrender procedures, she said.

"It's a big job."

Johnson said the animals are still being evaluated and placed into care. The best way people can help right now is to donate funds through the MCHS website at http://www.hsmcwa.org.

"Bear in mind, this is an ongoing situation so we will do our best to share updates as well as potential needs for these animals. Thank you so much for the outpour of support we are receiving from the community," HSMC said in a statement.