PORT TOWNSEND – Of the 80 abused animals rescued from a property near Four Corners Road on Monday, 20 dogs are being sheltered at Jefferson County Animal Services.
The other animals – two horses, 34 chickens and several cats, geese and sheep – have been taken to an undisclosed “safe location,” said Jefferson County Undersheriff Tim Perry on Tuesday.
The dogs had been badly neglected, said Deputy Alex Mintz, who is stationed at the Animal Services shelter off Jacob Miller Road just outside of Port Townsend.
Some were suffering from skin rashes, called urine burns, caused by long-term contact with urine, and others had feces matted in their fur.
All the animals will be treated by veterinarians for abuse and malnourishment, Mintz said.
The owner of the animals has not been charged with a crime, and has not been identified by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
Jefferson County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ted DeBray said he plans to charge the individual in the next week or two.
In the meantime, the animals are not available for adoption.
Several people have asked Animal Services about adoption and have asked for information from the Peninsula Daily News.
“If a court decides the animals should be removed from the care and custody of owners, at that time they can be adopted,” said Perry.
Thirteen of the dogs are Chihuahuas, three are large mixed breeds, one is a pug and two are Pekinese.
Mintz said animal care is being taken care of by an Animal Services emergency fund, but that the owner will likely be expected to reimburse the money.
