Date: Jan 2, 2007
County: Kitsap
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Gerald Ebel

Kitsap County Animal Control officers are protecting the dogs they've rescued from what they call one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they've ever seen.

Officers seized 18 German Shepherd dogs on Jan 2 from a puppy mill in south Kitsap County. They say the dogs lived in filth, fought for food and now fear even the kindest touch.

"Filthy, just, I can't describe how bad it was," said veteran officer Rance McEntyre.

McEntyre says the owner typically threw out bags of food and let the dogs fight over it, so even the smallest dogs are malnourished and covered with scars. He says the dogs had free run inside the home, so it was filled with feces and filth.

"It's almost like going into a meth home it's so bad," he said.

Most of these animals are so timid, they won't let people come near them, much less touch them.

One named Cindy can barely stand and can't pick up even a dog biscuit, while Little One shakes uncontrollably and Hilda has open sores on her back.

Only some puppies will let people get this close, and even they are still uncomfortable with it.

Officers say there is still one dog that remains at the home that they haven't been able to catch. They say the owner has been uncooperative.

They've forwarded the case to prosecutors and hope for felony charges of first degree animal cruelty.

"He should never own an animal again," McEntyre said.

In the meantime, the dogs are being kept at a private kennel with plenty of food and loving caretakers.

But some may never learn to trust.

None of these dogs is available for adoption at this time while the animal cruelty case moves forward and all will need extensive care and socialization. But the Kitsap Humane Society and Animal Control is accepting donations to help pay the costs of caring for them.