Safe at last...
 

Update, 12/22:  All of the 24 rescued animals from Covington have been placed in amazing foster homes off-site from our sanctuary.  Thank you so much to all of you that responded to our plea for help.  Because you opened your hearts and homes, all of these sweet creatures are now safe, happy and are gaining strength and good health.   And, they have not stopped eating! 

-Animal Control is actively working on the animal cruelty case
-If found guilty, the alleged animal abuser could face a hefty fine and up to 5 years in prison

-All 24 animals have been checked out by a vet.  We want to send a special thanks to our Equine Vet, Dr. Dana, who has readily made herself available to help us with these animals.  We appreciate your care, concern and flexibility!

Please continue to follow this story as we will provide updates.

12/19
Warning:  Contains some graphic images

Season of Giving?

In this Season of Giving, it is especially hard to take seeing an animal cruelty case like those of us at Pasado's Safe Haven witnessed today.  At a time where it seems that most everyone is a little more focused on kindness and giving, how could someone just stop feeding their animals and let them starve to death?   

We received a call from King County Animal Control about some animals that were suffering just like this in Covington, WA.  Animal Control was notified because a horse was down, unable to stand anymore because it was so malnourished that it did not have the strength to stand.

That horse laid here in this spot for days where it had nothing else to eat but this tree. 

Animal Control was able to rescue him and provided him with food and loving care.  "He just laid on his side and ate.  He didn't want to die," said Animal Control Officer, Janee.

They did everything they could but the call had come too late and the horse had endured too much neglect and passed away.

We are so very thankful that Animal Control did contact us about the others because today we were able to work together to save the remaining 24 alleged starving animals!  Amongst the rescued were calves, horses, goats, geese, chickens, and a llama.  Many of the animals were very young. 

What we found when we arrived were what appeared to be absolutely horrible living conditions- tiny pens that goats and sheep were kept cooped up in, empty food containers, and pastures of full of mud and feces.

Animal Control officers discovered what looked to be a fresh grave.  Upon further investigation, they found this tiny calf which contained no fat on its body whatsoever and appears to have allegedly starved to death. 

It broke our hearts that we could not reach him in time.  He must have known these two little sweethearts that we were able rescue today.  Although they do not appear to be suffering or emaciated from appearance, all you would feel would be skin and bones if you were able to reach out and touch them.

Pasado Rescuer, Jenny M with Tia, the young llama.  After I took this photo, she nibbled on my arm, and was looking for food anywhere she could get it.

Sadly, with livestock, it is hard to often tell just by looking if an animal is starving. It is not as apparent as it would be with a cat or dog.  The only reason that someone noticed that something was wrong with these animals is because the horse was actually laying down and unable to stand.  We are thankful that person decided to do something about it and made the call.  Pasado's Safe Haven is always ready to help animals like this that are not able to speak for themselves. 

Pasado Rescuers preparing to take the rescued animals to safety at Pasado's Safe Haven's Sanctuary
 

When the animals arrived at the sanctuary tonight and were given food and water, they did not lift their heads away from their meal for any interruption-  not for the shutting of the cage doors, the bright lights of the media cameras and flashlights, or not to even take a peek at the Pasado's volunteers and staff that were there caring for them.  The chickens drank an entire bowl of water in a half hour- something we have never seen.  As happy as we were to provide for them, seeing this only reminded us of how much they had suffered. 

It is only because of people like you, that take the time to be a part of Pasado's and read our stories, and donate that we are able to be the difference between life and death for these animals.   

We are looking for assistance with the following:

• Monetary donations to help us cover the cost of vet care of the 24 rescued animals.  Please click here to donate.
   

• Foster homes with pasture for the 3 rescued horses.  If you can foster, please email here.
   

• Gift Certificates from Monroe Farm and Feed to help us feed the 24 rescued animals.  Please call today to order us  Monroe Farm & Feed Gift Certificates- 360-794-4663 - Charge by phone

Thank you, as always, for supporting us and the animals!

To watch Q13 news report, click here. 

For the Komo TV news report, click here.