An investigation of an out-of-business Spokane Valley pet store has led to charging recommendations by SCRAPS officials to Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, according to a news release.

The owner of the closed Evergreen Pet Shop could face first and second degree animal cruelty charges for the treatment of their animals that were kept in the store while in transition to a new property owner.

SCRAPS officials have also recommended misdemeanor charges of confining animals in an unsafe manner. Numerous complaints were filed in Nov. against the store for reports of dead animals and failure to provide proper food, water and sanitation for what pets were being housed.

Investigators found 12 dead rats and 9 dead mice during their initial look into the store, according to Nancy Hill, director of SCRAPS. The rodents were examined by local veterinarians for SCRAPS’ report. They also looked at some of the live animals adopted by members of the community after the store’s ownership was transferred to new property owners.

SCRAPS has received several complaints over the years for the pet store, said Nancy Hill in an earlier interview, but nothing has risen to the point of being a violation until now.

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