A severely underweight dog removed from the Russet Avenue property. (Photos: Whatcom County Sheriff's Office)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a suspected animal cruelty case after authorities removed about 30 dogs from a property in unincorporated Whatcom County and found the animals in what investigators described as extremely poor conditions.
Detectives responded Monday to the property in the 200 block of Russet Avenue after receiving information about the dogs’ welfare. The dogs were being housed by Pittie Project PNW, which was founded and is led by 38-year-old Ashley Georgia of Bellingham.
Photographs provided to investigators showed multiple dogs with apparent injuries and signs of poor health, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The property owner cooperated with detectives and allowed them to enter the property. Once inside, investigators reported finding numerous dogs living in unsanitary conditions without apparent access to adequate food or water.
Investigators observed open wounds on dogs’ bodies, legs and tails. They also reported seeing evidence of worms in feces, along with matted and discolored fur consistent with prolonged exposure to feces and urine.
Several dogs appeared significantly underweight, with their ribs, hips and leg bones visible. Detectives also reported strong foul odors throughout the areas where the dogs lived.
Search Warrant Leads to Dog Rescue
Based on their observations, detectives obtained a search warrant to remove the animals from the property so they could receive immediate medical care.
During the investigation, the property owner told detectives that Georgia had sole responsibility for the care and welfare of the dogs housed at the location, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators also learned that volunteers had previously removed 13 additional dogs from the property after discovering the animals’ condition.
The investigation also found that Georgia had received donated dog food and thousands of dollars in financial contributions intended to support the animals’ care, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Dogs Receive Medical Treatment
Authorities safely removed all of the animals remaining at the property.
The dogs are now receiving medical evaluations and treatment with assistance from the Whatcom Humane Society.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. Criminal charges are pending.
The allegations described by investigators have not been adjudicated in court.
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