Volunteers work to find homes for hoarded dogs

Volunteers are working to find homes for over 26 dogs taken from an animal hoarding case in Albion, with estimates indicating that around 45 dogs may still be on the property. The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with Paws and Claws, a Pasco-based rescue, to facilitate the dogs' medical needs and find foster homes. Many dogs require spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and dental care, which is provided by Blue Mountain Humane Society. Groomers have reported that despite initial baths, many dogs arrived in poor condition, with feces and urine still in their fur. Community members have raised concerns about the slow pace of the rescue and the absence of criminal charges against the owners, prompting Sheriff Myers to explain the complexities involved in prosecuting hoarding cases.

He emphasized that the focus remains on minimizing the number of dogs on the property while ensuring their well-being. Paws and Claws is actively fundraising to cover the medical costs, which have already reached over $3,300 for some batches of dogs. The goal is to clear the property of as many dogs as possible by the end of the month, ensuring those remaining cannot reproduce.