Press release from the King County Sheriff's Office

In what was described as “animal hoarding”, detectives and animal control officers raided a Burien house last night about 6:15 PM in the 1300 block of SW 120th St. Thirty-eight Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Chin dogs were found in the residence, all in relatively poor health and kept in extremely dirty dog crates. Fourteen were immediately taken to a veterinarian’s office and nine were euthanized.

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A man at the residence said the majority of the dogs were his, and claimed some were show dogs. Furthermore, he said there were additional dogs at a house near Issaquah.

Detectives and animal control officer from King County subsequently served a search warrant at a residence in the 5900 block of 189th Ave SE and found another 62 dogs. These animals were in relatively good health and in clean crates, but due to the condition of the house, the dogs were taken by King County Animal Care and Control.

The investigation into the Burien residence began after the Sheriff's Office was contacted by Pasado’s Safe Haven. They received a tip about conditions at the house and gathered additional information. That, coupled with our investigation, led to a search warrant.

Burien detectives and Sheriff's Office detectives were assisted by Burien’s Community Animal Resource and Education Society (CARES), as well as King County’s Animal Care and Control, who sent six officers and a vet technician to assist at the Issaquah location.

“This was a very quick and coordinated effort by all involved”, said Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer. “My thanks to Burien’s CARES staff, the Sheriff Office, and King County’s Animal Care and Control personnel. Everyone worked well into the night on this investigation”, he added.

Debra George, Director of CARES of Burien explained that the dogs are receiving proper care and will need homes. She also said, “Our first concern is the health and well-being of the dogs, so all of them are being checked out and treated at local veterinary offices. We want to thank everyone who helped out in this trying situation”.

The Sheriff's Office investigation into both locations is continuing. So far there have been no arrests but felony and/or misdemeanor charges are possible.