$5,000 reward offered for information about emaciated dogs found in Seattle

SEATTLE — Animal control officers with the Seattle Animal Shelter are investigating two cases involving three severely malnourished dogs and the Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

The first case was discovered on July 26, when a pit bull-type dog, about 8 to 10-months old, was found at 55th Avenue South and South Cloverdale Street, just outside the Pritchard Beach Park.

Seattle Animal Shelter staff said a good Samaritan took the dog to a veterinarian, who found it to be emaciated, dehydrated and covered in urine. The animal, which was weak and hunched over, was barely able to walk.

Seattle Animal Shelter investigators believe the dog was kept in a crate or another small, confined area where it was unable to move.

"When found, the first dog weighed only 18 pounds. After two and a half weeks, the dog gained 8 pounds, simply from being fed," said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter director. "We believe it had been confined, meaning someone did this to the dog. This is inhumane and illegal, and we hope someone in the community who knows something will come forward."

In the second case on Aug. 14, two dogs were found together in the South Seattle or Kent area. Both are about 1 to 2-years old and were found dehydrated and severely underweight. They are also pit bull-type dogs and may be littermates.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is asking anyone who may have information about any of the dogs to call Brandi Homeier, field services supervisor, at 206-386-1985, or the main shelter information line at 206-386-PETS (7387).

Any information about the people who abused the dogs is key to solving the cases, Graves said.

First-degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.

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