68 dogs seized from Lakebay home during search warrant

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington — Animal control and Pierce County officials seized 68 dogs from a Lakebay home while executing a search warrant.

On July 18, authorities served a search warrant on a home after a private citizen filed a complaint about purchasing a King Charles Spaniel puppy from a purported dog breeder. The complaint stated that the puppy was sick and tested positive for parvovirus.

According to the Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine, canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease. It can cause gastrointestinal illness and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

When authorities arrived, they found 68 dogs in a double trailer.

“There were many dogs locked in cages around the house and there were approximately four to six female dogs with puppies running around in the trailer,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said on Facebook. “Many of the dogs in the cages were not the minimum size and there was no water.”

Authorities found sick and lethargic dogs and puppies. One puppy was immediately rushed to the vet for emergency care, but died en route. Two other puppies were humanely euthanized after testing positive for parvovirus and becoming too sick.

Several other puppies also tested positive and were placed under observation.

The remaining dogs and puppies were taken to a veterinary clinic where they will be examined and will eventually be taken to an animal shelter for the duration of the criminal investigation.