Inspection results in seizing of 38 dogs
Woman, a convicted felon, held on weapons count
Spokane County authorities arrested a woman on a weapons violation and seized several dogs from a dog-breeding operation near Newman Lake on Friday, after SCRAPS officers responded to complaints about animal treatment.
The Sheriff’s Office arrested Wilma L. Turner, 61, for being a convicted felon in possession of two rifles and a pistol, said spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan. Turner had been convicted of drug possession in Spokane County Superior Court in 2000, according to court records.
Turner owns Ironhorse Ranch, 26727 E. Hauser Lake Road, just west of the Washington-Idaho state line, which breeds poodles and labradoodles, a mixed breed popular because of its gentle nature.
On Friday, Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service officers seized 38 dogs from the ranch after they were determined to be in need of immediate medical attention, said SCRAPS director Nancy Hill. The conditions of the seized dogs, which were taken to the SCRAPS animal shelter, included “extreme grooming issues with health ramifications” and ear infections.
Journalists were not allowed on the ranch during the inspections but on Friday a strong odor of feces and urine was apparent from the road nearly 50 yards away from buildings on the property.
Hill said the ranch could potentially lose its license if found to be in violation of kennel standards. Animal abuse and neglect can also be prosecuted as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors.
Three veterinarians, assisted by SCRAPS officers and Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team volunteers, examined more than 133 dogs, including several litters of puppies, and several horses at the ranch throughout the day, Hill said. Under a recently passed state law, commercial breeders are limited to 50 adult dogs for breeding, but Hill was not sure whether existing kennels are allowed more under a possible “grandfather” clause.
The investigation was launched after SCRAPS received complaints about abuse and neglect of animals at the kennel, Hill said. SCRAPS officers inspected the kennel and determined further investigation was warranted, she said.
Commercial breeding operations are inspected annually and Ironhorse Ranch was last inspected in November. Hill said that Turner’s operation barely passed inspection the past two years.
Hauser Lake neighbor Jeanne Helfer said she had no idea the ranch was a commercial breeding operation, much less that animals on the property could have been abused.
“It’s tragic to know that something like this could be going on,” Helfer said.