In addition to several human lives that were lost in last week’s storm, fast-rising floodwaters claimed several hundred animals’ lives in Oregon and Washington.

KGW photo

Residents walk through floodwater in Vernonia.

KGW has received reports of drowned dogs as well as large groups of livestock that were wiped out with nowhere to run.

In Chehalis, Wash. alone, near where the dike broke, one dairy farm alone lost over 300 head of dairy cows to the flood.

In Lewis County, all dairy cattle on Bunker Creek, Twin Oaks and Boistfort Road areas were disposed of in the wake of the storm. Approximate 420 animal carcasses were buried in the Boistfort area. About 50 various livestock -- goats, pigs, calves, horses and llamas – also drowned. Most of these animals were from the Twin Oaks Road area. Approximately 70 sheep and four dogs were buried on River Road.

Background: Storm ravages Oregon, Wash.

Several hundred additional cattle were buried by private owners.

Residents believe that as debris is removed from the flood affected areas, more carcasses will be discovered. People are encouraged to call the Lewis County Health Department if they need assistance or guidance in disposing of the carcasses. The health department can be reached at (360) 740-1417.

Meanwhile, the Oregon Humane Society has taken more than a dozen dogs from a Chehalis, Wash. animal shelter to make room for pets injured by the storms there.

Rising waters submerged much of Chehalis under several feet of water. The Chehalis facility itself is on dry ground and remains open to receive animals and reunite them with their owners. But officials expect an influx of animals and needed room.

The Oregon Humane Society expects to treat the animals and find them homes.

The organization has also delivered thousands of pounds of pet food to flood-ravaged Tillamook and Vernonia along the Oregon coast.