MARYSVILLE, Wash. - More than 40 dogs are recovering at the Everett Animal Shelter after being found inside a cramped utility trailer in Marysville, and their owners could face animal cruelty charges, FOX 13 Seattle reports.
A spokesperson for the city of Marysville said the West Highland Terriers were kept in stacked kennels separated by makeshift partitions, with puppies found in a plastic storage tub. Many of the dogs had medical issues, matted hair and fur covered in feces and urine, conditions officers described as extreme breeding and hoarding.
The Marysville Police Department is investigating, and officers have recommended 42 counts of second-degree animal cruelty charges.
Interest in adopting the Westies has been overwhelming even though the dogs' fate depends on the outcome of the police investigation. "We already have 70 to 90 applications. We've taken 120 phone calls for these guys," Leslie Wall, assistant animal services manager for the Everett Animal Shelter, told FOX 13.
"They are all under medical care right now. Thank goodness for all of our volunteers," Wall said, noting that two veterinarians are tending to the animals on top of staff handling mountains of dishes and laundry.
The shelter is now stretched thin, with 128 animals on site and another 103 in foster care. Wall urged anyone who can to volunteer time or foster an animal, and said monetary donations and items from the shelter's Amazon Wish List are also welcome.
Those hoping to adopt can fill out a dog questionnaire on the shelter's website and write "West Highland Terrier" or "Westie" at the top, Wall said.