The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), responding to a neighbor’s complaint, carried out a search on Friday morning on Bruce Road in Elk.
SCRAPS responded to complaints about the condition of more than five dozen animals, including horses, llamas, cows, sheep, goats and dogs.
When investigators arrived, they found animals lacking proper food, according to SCRAPS Director Nancy Hill.
There were also reports of dead animals on the scene.
All the large animals will be taken to an emergency shelter at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.
SCRAPS is being assisted by volunteers from the American Humane Association and the Spokane-based Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team (HEART) along with local veterinarians.
Owners of the animals face potential first-degree animal cruelty charges, a class C felony, carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $10,000 fine, or second-degree animal cruelty, a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail.
SCRAPS is seeking donations to help feed, shelter and care for the seized animals. Donations can be sent to SCRAPS at 2521 N. Flora Road, Spokane Valley, 99216, or online at www.spokanecounty.org/scraps [2].
Links:
[1] http://www.dptribune.biz/sites/default/files/farm animals.jpg
[2] http://www.spokanecounty.org/scraps
