Dozens of unhealthy dogs rescued from ‘utter filth’ in home near Medical lake

Dozens of unhealthy dogs and three cats were rescued from “utter filth” Thursday in a Medical Lake area house accused of being a puppy mill.

After years of receiving tips on the alleged puppy mill, the Spokane County Regional Animal Service said it finally had enough evidence to serve a warrant to the residence in west Spokane County.

Forty-three dogs – most found inside a home full of animal waste and trash, SCRAPS said, while others were locked inside pens or free on the property – were found along with three cats locked inside a small room.

“The conditions were even worse than we were expecting,” said SCRAPS director Lindsey Soffes. “All of the dogs had poor body condition, poor water. Many were in need of medical attention.”

Many of the dogs appeared to be labs and unknown mixed breeds, SCRAPS said, and ranged from small puppies to pregnant adult dogs.

When asked if any animals were found dead on the property, SCRAPS said it could not comment.

SCRAPS is investigating the property owner for potential charges of first-degree animal cruelty, second-degree animal cruelty, transporting or confining animals in an unsafe manner and operating an illegal commercial kennel.