The Seattle Animal Shelter spent Thursday doing checkups and baths for the dozens of animals that were rescued from filthy conditions.
The 28 dogs, six cats and 11 other critters that were rescued Wednesday from vile conditions in the University District spent Thursday receiving medical attention and grooming at the Seattle Animal Shelter.
Officials took 45 animals of various breeds from a town house in the 4500 block of 11th Avenue Northeast Wednesday. Many were covered in urine and feces, held in cages and without food or water, animal shelter and police officials said.
“[It was] pretty filthy conditions for all of these animals,” shelter director Don Jordan said. “How a human could live in there is beyond belief.”
Throughout the day Thursday, two veterinarians checked the animals’ health, and staff and volunteers organized baths and grooming. Jordan said the animals will remain in the shelter’s care until an investigation into their previous owners concludes, which could take several weeks.
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He said most of the felines and smaller animals appeared to be in relatively good health Thursday, though some of the dogs seemed malnourished and at-risk for giardia, an intestinal parasite.
Officials went to the home after receiving a tip about a possible animal-breeding operation. Jordan said authorities described the scene as horrendous with a strong stench.
He said the animals’ owners at this point are not surrendering them, meaning the pets are unavailable for adoption and remain the residents’ property.
The shelter will have custody of the animals at least until animal-shelter officials finish their investigation, he said. Authorities are interviewing the residents and reviewing evidence for possible charges.
“[The animals] will remain in our care, pending the outcome of any judicial proceedings,” Jordan said.