90 Animals Rescued in a Washington Home During Routine Wildlife Search, Other Animals Found Dead

Last month, a routine wildlife search resulted in the rescue of 90 animals, while a few others were discovered dead in a Washington home. Although there are no news regarding the charges to the owner, some of the animals are now ready to be placed in forever homes.

The Pend Oreille County Sheriff's Office (POCSO) began what they thought would be just another routine animal welfare investigation on December 16. Deputies went to the house south of Ione with the expectation that there would only be a dozen animals involved. But when the property was searched, nearly 90 animals were discovered, some of which were already dead.

Two horses, four pigs, three cats, 11 dogs, about 40 goats, and about 30 farm birds were among the rescued survivors. It was anticipated that Melanie Nolander, the suspect, would be charged with animal cruelty. However, reports from the incident did not specify whether she was charged.

SpokAnimal, SCRAPS, HGAS, and HEART

The emergency management for Spokane and Pend Oreille, SCRAPS, SpokAnimal, Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary (HGAS), and Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team (HEART) volunteers all contributed significantly to the collection, transport, sheltering, and medical care of the animals.

HEART is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that works with SpokAnimal to provide proper daily care for the rescued animals while looking for adoptive families who can take them in. HEART is committed to providing national and local emergency relief for animals caught in natural disasters and other emergencies.

The animals were discovered in appalling conditions, without food or water and shelter from the bitter cold, according to Marian Ortiz, president of HEART.

HEART, as stated on their website, assisted in moving the animals from the location of the seizure and in setting up a temporary shelter where we took care of them day and night in the bitter cold.

Emaciated to the Bone

When the animals were first brought in, many of the rescues were huddled together, according to Cheri Scandalis, one of the founders and directors of HGAS. Some of them refused to or were unable to stand. They are obviously very dehydrated.

Their ribs, spine, and all of their bones are visible, according to Ortiz. The majority of the animals that were saved were so malnourished that the rescuers were concerned about whether they would survive the night.

Sadly, three animals died in the first few days because they were in such bad condition that they could not be saved, so those worries were not unfounded.

For those who made a full recovery, Scandalis claimed that the animals were perplexed and did not appear to understand what to do with the care given.

She said that when the team gave the rescued animals some food and water, it seemed as though they had never seen water or food before. It was obvious that the animals had not recently eaten, and they were eating snow because there was no water nearby.

SpokAnimal

Fortunately, a flood of assistance from numerous organizations ensured that food, beds, and medical attention were quickly delivered to the area and that temporary shelter was offered.

While HGAS took the farm animals in and helped out with daily care responsibilities, SpokAnimal brought the cats and dogs to their shelter. The two horses, who were each 250 pounds underweight, continue to be looked after by a Deer Park vet.

A report from Local Today published last month says that horses, pigs, chickens, goats, ducks, dogs, and cats were among the animals saved. Some of the animals have already made significant improvements and are now searching for their forever homes. The animal's owner has not been officially charged, NonStop LOCAL KHQ reports.