Published early June 2014
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE A CHANGE IN STEVENS COUNTY?
In response to “We are judged by how we treat animals.” Before reading on, visit the blog at: http://dogrescuestevenscounty.blogspot.com/
We have assisted in multiple Animal Abuse, Neglect, and Cruelty situations over the last seven years knowing firsthand this isn’t an isolated situation in Stevens County. Sadly, several have been on this 3-mile stretch of Highway 291. What is happening in the rest of the 2,541 square miles?
A SC Deputy recently mentioned he has seen much worse. Sheriff Allen stated in an article in the Spokesman Review, “We do not go back out and check once they’ve alleviated the problem.” “It’s unfortunately the way it is.” Really?
We learned about another situation regarding livestock tied to trees with no food or water. An “animal abuse” complaint was about to be filed when the animals were loaded into a trailer and disappeared after a witness spoke to a Sheriff Deputy on a separate matter.
On multiple occasions the Stevens County Officials were provided information on WA. Sate law, where to receive free or low cost training and education on animal neglect, the correlation between the treatment of animals and other violent crimes, and the need to prosecute animal cruelty. They are well aware there are multiple resources and agencies that can assist them (at little to NO charge).
In August 2009, The Humane Society of the United States reached out several times to the Sheriff’s Department to assist with the “Finley Gultch” hoarding/puppy mill of over 65 dogs. The Sheriff’s Captain at the time did not return the HSUS calls since the people “had fallen on hard times”. Two and one half years later, in May 2012, the suffering, cruelty and neglect ended. 25 dog bodies were removed from the property and the remaining 10 dogs survived by eating the carcasses of their “crate” mates.
One call would have prevented this criminal negligence.
How many more will suffer and are suffering right now? This mentality is unacceptable for our state and country in 2014!
Ken Holm
Nine Mile Falls, WA.
