Washington: Theresa Hostetler and Thomas Hostetler arrested after more than 40 animals seized from horrific conditions. Dead animals found rotting as well.

WASHINGTON -- The Stevens County Sheriff's Office has arrested two people for animal cruelty in connection with a suspected puppy mill uncovered last week.

Theresa Hostetler and Thomas Hostetler were booked on one count of felony animal cruelty and two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.

  

  

  

Stevens County Sheriff Kendle Allen says the charges stem from a search warrant executed on their Peggy Road property Monday night.

The search warrant arose from an investigation last week, in which 33 dogs, 6 puppies, and 3 cats were seized from what was described as "deplorable conditions."

The non-profit animal rescue group Rescue4All took video of the scene showing dogs chained to trees, dogs  with skin infections, covered in feces and animals that were injured as well.

Initially, sheriff's deputies said the owners complied and helped load up the animals being seized. But, Rescue4All suspected there were other animals at risk.

  

 

Monday night, deputies served a search warrant and found skeletal remains and hides of other animals.

Sheriff Allen said the Hostetlers tried to obstruct deputies who were trying to investigate.

Rescue4All’s founder, Jamie McAtee, says she’s grateful Theresa and Thomas Hostetler were arrested Tuesday night.

  

 

 

"These guys are monsters, we went to the property last night and we have knowledge that they have 6 to 8 dogs hidden somewhere so we're not sure where,” McAtee said on a Facebook live video posted to the Rescue4All’s Facebook page.

Because there’s no official animal control in Stevens County, McAtee says it makes dealing with situations like this difficult.

She says this rescue is a clear example of why the county needs to take action.

Sheriff Allen said deputies have been to the Hostetlers property before, but could not say specifically for what reason.

  

  

  

COMMENTS
Tyrelle Bailey · Iron worker,connecter,welder at Wilshar Steel Inc.
That was my old neighbor we called the cops many times was told there was nothing that they could do legally one even bit another neighbor who was coming over to visit cops still did nothing another time my niece was staying with us for a lil and on her way to the bus stop one of the dogs attacked her knocking her to the ground this happened to my son and wife many times as well nothing was ever done
Like · Reply · May 5, 2017 1:26pm

Lona Holm · Victor, Montana
The Stevens County Sheriff does not even want to enforce state laws. VOTE HIM OUT!
Like · Reply · May 7, 2017 1:02pm

(KXLY - May 9, 2017)