Okanogan County seizes dozens of animals after animal abuse and neglect investigation

The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) said, with assistance from the Omak Police Department (OPD), it seized 52 animals from two properties in Brewster after reports of abuse and neglect on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The sheriff's office seized two dogs, 26 goats, seven horses, one donkey, six ducks and 10 chickens. The animal owners also surrendered 14 other dogs and a horse. Investigators also found four horses, several chickens, two dogs, a cow and a calf dead at the property.

According to OCSO, an animal rescue worker delivering dog food to the property filed an animal abuse complaint earlier in the month. The animal rescue worker reported seeing emaciated dogs, horses and goats living in poor conditions.

OCSO said the rescue organization worked with the owners to address the concerns. As a result, the owners surrendered 12 dogs and agreed to have a veterinarian check out other animals free of charge. The veterinarian found that two horses were missing when they arrived at the property and agreed to surrender another horse.

The rescue organization attempted to cooperate further with the owners to improve conditions at the pr...