EVERETT – Nearly two months after being rescued from an alleged puppy mill near Gold Bar, more than 60 dogs now are being put up for adoption.
Starting today, the Everett Animal Shelter will begin taking applications from people who want to give the dogs a home, Everett city spokeswoman Kate Reardon said.
Applications are available on the city’s Web site. Adoptions will cost between $200 and $250, she said. All applications must be received by March 14.
Nearly 160 dogs were seized Jan. 16 when Snohomish County sheriff’s deputies and animal control officers raided the Gold Bar area home. Many dogs were covered with urine and feces. Veterinarians needed to treat several of the dogs for a variety of medical problems.
The dogs have since been cared for by foster families under the supervision of Everett’s shelter.
All of the 65 dogs being put up for adoption have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and treated to rid them of worms and fleas. The dogs will come with a month of free veterinary insurance, Reardon said.
The dogs troubled past may require extra attention from new owners, she said.
“Please understand that some of the animals may have additional medical conditions that will require ongoing care,” she said.
A committee will review applications and invite people to meet the dog to determine if there’s a good match. Only applicants who are selected will be contacted.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate a Snohomish breeder, Renee Roske, 44, who is believed to be responsible for the dogs. She has not been charged.
A Gold Bar couple who were looking after the dogs faces six counts of first-degree animal cruelty. They said they were working for Roske.
Roske’s mother and step-father have been charged with several count of animal cruelty in Skagit County. Officials there rescued around 450 dogs from a kennel near Mount Vernon.
Some of those dogs are available for adoption from NOAH and Skagit County rescue groups.
For more information about adoption of the Everett Animal Shelter dogs, please visit: www.ci.everett.wa.us/default.aspx?ID=1561.
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