Pet shop accused of mistreatment

An investigation of an out-of-business Spokane Valley pet store has prompted SCRAPS officials to recommend charges to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, according to a news release.

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

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

Investigators found 12 dead rats and nine dead mice during their initial look into the store, according to Nancy Hill, director of SCRAPS. Local veterinarians examined the rodents and some of the live animals adopted by members of the community after the store was transferred to new owners.

SCRAPS has received several complaints about the pet store over the years, Hill said in an earlier interview, but this is the first time SCRAPS has recommended charges.