EVERETT — More than 100 cats and kittens were seized Friday afternoon from a travel trailer parked on Ebey Island, east of Everett.
Investigators found the cats living in deplorable conditions in the trailer in the 4600 block of 43rd Avenue SE, said Vicki Lubrin, the Snohomish County licensing and animal control services manager.
Animal control officers found 110 cats in the 32-foot trailer, Lubrin said. Officers earlier had obtained a judge’s permission to take the cats into custody for medical evaluations.
“After blood tests confirmed (the animals) were diseased and contagious they were humanely euthanized to relieve their pain and suffering,” Lubrin wrote in a news release. “Even the most experienced officers on site were astounded by the large number of animals contained in the trailer, and the filthy conditions in which the cats and kittens were living.”
The trailer had been gutted, and there was no food or water for the animals, she said.
Investigators had to use ventilators and protective suits to go inside.
The owner had previous orders from the county to keep fewer animals and provide the pets with safer conditions and veterinary care, Lubrin said.
The woman, 55, is believed to be homeless and living in her pickup truck.
The trailer had been moved several times around the county.
It was found Wednesday in a field on the island, prompting the raid. The investigation was ongoing Saturday and will be forwarded to prosecutors for potential criminal charges, including animal cruelty, Lubrin said.
No arrests have been made.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
Pet concerns
To report animal-related concerns and complaints in unincorporated Snohomish County, including potential animal cruelty, contact 425-388-3440.
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