SCRAPS seizes 123 animals from Idaho Road home
Many more found dead on hoarder’s property
Animal control officers on Saturday raided the home of a convicted animal hoarder and seized an estimated 123 animals.
The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service executed a search warrant at 6204 N. Idaho Road, near the state line. Among the animals seized were 27 goats, 15 cats, nine guinea pigs, six rabbits, and dozens of ducks and chickens, said Nancy Hill, SCRAPS director. A sheep was euthanized at the scene, and there were 76 dead animals on the property.
Several of the animals may be so sick they cannot be saved, Hill said.
“That’s a serious concern,” she said. “The cats are particularly ill.”
She said the agency has raided the property before. In February 2004, officers seized more than 60 dogs, cats, rabbits and turtles from the property. According to newspaper archives, property owner Carol McMullen was convicted of 13 misdemeanor charges, including five counts of animal cruelty. Her son, James McMullen, was convicted of three misdemeanor counts for keeping animals in an unsafe manner and having an illegal kennel.
Both McMullens received two years probation. Carol McMullen was at the residence Saturday along with two other adults, Hill said.
SCRAPS officers visited the home Friday based on an anonymous complaint. While the owner did not allow them to look inside a barn, officers saw a sheep that was in bad shape, Hill said. They returned Saturday with a search warrant.
No arrests were made or citations issued, and the investigation is continuing, Hill said.