GOLDENDALE, Wash. -- Dozens of dogs reported to be malnourished and in unhealthy conditions have been rescued in Klickitat County.
The Klickitat Co. Sheriff's Office said they were notified by a concerned citizen about the dogs on July 24, about 10 miles east of Goldendale. When crews arrived, they said they found dozens of sick dogs living in unsanitary conditions, many of them in small kennels with no food or water and having wounds and other medical problems.
In all, 48 dogs were impounded, including several puppies.
PHOTOS: Rescued dogs
The dogs -- which are Rottweilers, German Shepards, and Doberman Pinschers -- were being housed at various shelters and foster homes.
"It was a very sad situation, one in which many dogs were saved and not spared," said Kaye Smith, founder of Dead Dog Walking Pit Bull Rescue, who has taken in some of the dogs.
The Sheriff's Office is still investigating the case, and a spokeswoman said charges will likely be requested through the Klickitat County Prosecutor’s Office against the 58-year-old resident owner where the dogs were found.
"Investigators are working carefully to ensure that all of the facts and circumstances are made available to the Prosecutor," said Sheriff Rick McComas in a press release. "We have completed the first critical step, in cases such as this, of providing immediate care and shelter for the animals, and will continue to investigate who was responsible for their living conditions."
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Dogs of the Gorge
PO Box 105
Wishram, WA 98673
(541) 978-0079
