SEQUIM, Wash. — This week Clallam County investigators seized 240 animals from a property outside the Sequim city limits.
The owner of the property, a 51-year-old woman, was placed under arrest for investigation of second-degree animal cruelty.
Investigators said the creatures were living in "deplorable conditions."
"I was greeted by five dogs - one had an obvious cut to his side," said Amy Bundy, Clallam County chief criminal deputy. "One had blood on his body. We didn’t know what from."
The animals were brought to Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene where the sheer volume has overwhelmed the staff.
"They're all in rough shape," said Sara Penhallegon, director of Central Valley Animal Rescue. "They're malnourished. Many have injuries and they're needing a lot of medical care. We had to put two animals down."
It was the second time in two years the Todd Road property was raided.
The last was in January of 2022 when investigators found the same exact situation – hundreds of animals, even an emu being neglected.
The owner of the property was arrested back then, as well.
A total of 478 animals were confiscated in the two raids.
Police said the suspect was able to amass so many animals a second time because that first case is still being reviewed by a special prosecutor with the State Attorney General's office.
Bundy believes the cases likely involve mental health issues.
"I think there is a failure to recognize the conditions in which the animals are living," Bundy said. "I think she's doing her best, but not really able to see that it's not an acceptable way to keep animals."
"This is why we need to arrest and prosecute these people," Penhallegon said. "We need to make it so she can't own animals again."
Penhallegon said most of the animals, including dozens of chickens, were living inside the woman's home.
"My initial response was it is sad," Bundy said. "It's a sad situation for the animals and a sad situation for her."
Workers at Center Valley were seizing, processing and treating the animals from 8 a.m. Tuesday until 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
The situation is putting a terrible strain on the animal rescue's staff and budget.
Penhallegon said the operation will cost the center tens of thousands of dollars and it will need help from the community.to treat all of the animals. You can donate here.
"We're so sad for the animals, but we're so angry that they got put in this position in the first place," Penhallegon said.
The suspect faces two counts of second-degree animal cruelty.
KING 5 News has learned state prosecutors expect to charge her by the end of the month. She could end up facing a judge in a Clallam County mental health court.
We have not named the suspect because she has not been formally charged.