Kathy Bailey has responded to calls of animal cruelty and neglect for nearly 15 years.
“This is the worst,” is how Bailey describes the Thurston County property she and Animal Control officers served a search warrant on earlier this month.
Bailey said they found animals living in waste up to a foot deep.
The animals didn’t have clean water or fresh food, and some didn’t have any shelter, said Bailey.
The investigators ended up seizing more than 250 animals, including miniature horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and approximately 200 birds.
“This is a human error,” said Bailey, “It should not have happened.”
The property owner could end up facing animal cruelty charges. That decision will be up to the Thurston County Prosecutor.
The property owner signed over custody rights to the horses and the poultry, but is trying to retain possession of the domesticated animals.
Volunteers are caring for the animals and those deemed healthy and safe enough to offer up for adoption could be available later this Spring or Summer.
Bailey, the President of Hooved Animal Rescue, estimates caring for the animals will cost the non-profit $10,000 for the first six weeks.
For donation or adoption information, contact Hooved Animal Rescue.
