Marysville police seized 42 West Highland White Terriers from a utility trailer on August 31, after discovering the dogs were living in severe hoarding conditions. The dogs, ranging in age from four weeks to four years, were found unspayed and unneutered in stacked kennels with makeshift partitions, leading to concerns over their health and well-being.
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According to Community Service Officer Joie Mette, the animals showed signs of significant stress and had not been adequately socialized, adding, "They were really stressed, very upset, worried." Upon their rescue, all 42 dogs were taken to the Everett Animal Shelter, where they received vaccinations, microchips, and clean housing.
One young female dog became ill with suspected parvovirus and required hospitalization but has since recovered. The shelter placed the rescued dogs under quarantine, expected to end on September 21, to ensure their health before resuming grooming and individual care. Mette noted that every dog has health concerns that need to be addressed but reassured that they can be treated over time.
Interest in adopting the Westies has been significant, with the shelter receiving more than 250 applications shortly after the rescue. However, none of the dogs are available for adoption at this time due to ongoing legal proceedings. The Everett Animal Shelter has encouraged public support, including donations or volunteering to help other animals.
Mette has submitted 43 counts of second-degree animal cruelty and one related breeding charge to the Marysville Prosecutor’s Office, stating, "There's nothing OK about this. It's just a situation where I think it got out of control and he did nothing about it." The legal process is still in progress as the dogs continue to receive care.