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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

SCRAPS investigates huge animal cruelty case near Elk

The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service carried out a search this morning on rural property northwest of Elk, in north Spokane County. SCRAPS responded to complaints about the condition of about 75 animals, including horses, llamas, cows, sheep, goats and dogs. SCRAPS Animal Protection Officers received complaints of alleged animal cruelty and were continuing their investigation at the site, 42505 N. Bruce Rd., until late afternoon. A number of dead animals were also found. The scene this morning included penned animals lacking proper food, but investigators are still evaluating it, said Nancy Hill, the director of SCRAPS. A veterinarian examined the condition of each animal and rated all of them either thin or emaciated, the top two levels in veterinary rating system, Hill said. Any large animals seized were being taken to an emergency shelter at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center in Spokane. SCRAPS is being assisted by two volunteers from the American Humane Association, who flew to Spokane for the raid, and volunteers from HEART (Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team) based in Spokane. Officers will investigate potential first-degree animal cruelty, a class C felony carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $10,000 fine, or second-degree animal cruelty, a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. Hill said authorities were planning to talk with the animal owner. SCRAPS is asking for donations to help feed, shelter and care for animals from the seizure. Donations can be sent to SCRAPS at 2521 N. Flora Road, Spokane Valley, 99216, or online at www.spokanecounty.org/scraps.