A 38-year-old woman has been arrested on 30 counts of first-degree animal cruelty after dogs housed by a Washington rescue organisation were found injured, underweight and living in poor conditions.
Ashley Georgia, the founder of Pittie Project PNW, was arrested on Friday and taken to Whatcom County Jail, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies began investigating on 5 October after receiving photographs showing dogs in poor health at a property on Russet Avenue, south of Lynden in Whatcom County.
Investigators said they found animals living in unsanitary conditions without adequate food or water. Some had open wounds, matted fur contaminated with waste and visible bones caused by severe undernourishment, while evidence of parasites was also found in faeces.
The property owner told detectives that Ms Georgia was solely responsible for the care of the dogs. Investigators also said she had received donated food and thousands of dollars intended to support the animals.
Volunteers had already removed 13 dogs from the site after becoming concerned about their condition. A further 17 animals were seized under a search warrant and taken for veterinary assessment and treatment.
All 30 dogs are now being cared for by the Whatcom Humane Society. Officials said they were responding well to treatment and were expected to recover fully, although they would not be available for adoption until their care had been completed.
The charges remain allegations and have not been tested in court. The sheriff’s office has not released further details about the extent of the dogs’ injuries.
