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

Animal control agents rescue 17 animals in Cheney

From staff reports
Seventeen animals, including two horses and a llama, were rescued from a Cheney residence today after complaints of neglect and abuse, Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service said. Agents served a warrant at 23239 S. Cross Road to check on the condition of three horses brought to the Cheney Rodeo Grounds during the recent Watermelon Hill fire. Veterinarians examined the horses and found them to be emaciated, scoring lower than a 3 on a 1 to 9 scale of weight, with 1 being extremely emaciated. SCRAPS officials served a search warrant on the property today, discovering two horses that showed signs of neglect and cruelty. Also rescued was a llama, eight dogs and six cats, according to a news release. “The inside of the home was covered with feces, urine, and garbage,” Nicole Montano, field operations manager at SCRAPS, said in a statement. “The dogs and cats were living in filth and suffering from flea allergies.” None of the animals are currently available for adoption. They will be evaluated by a veterinarian today, according to the news release. Criminal charges may be forthcoming, according to SCRAPS. A decision on charging will likely be made next week, the release said.