‘Truly horrific’: More than 200 animals rescued from poor living conditions in Thurston County

Over the past week, two unrelated search warrants were served for ongoing animal abuse investigations in Thurston County, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) confirmed.

TCSO and other rescue services were able to release four dogs, 195 birds (including chickens, turkeys, and geese), 33 pigs, and one bull.

Animals rescued from abuse in Thurston County

Heartwood Haven aided in the rescue efforts and took in 67 of the animals, including seven pigs. The animals were malnourished and living in poorly kept enclosures, sometimes living and sleeping alongside other dead animals.

“[The pigs] are covered in mange, were starved, and left without water,” Heartwood Haven stated. “Recovery is a slow process, but now they finally have access to water all day! Two meals a day, and they are receiving treatment for their mange.”

The TCSO labeled the Thurston County property as “truly horrific and unacceptable living conditions” in a social media post.

“We only work on cruelty cases, and this is one of the worst we have ever seen,” Kate Tsyrklevich, the executive director of Heartwood Haven, said.

Following the rescue, the animals were taken to the Heartwood Haven sanctuary and received various treatments.

“They all received food, water, and their first parasite treatments,” Heartwood Haven stated. “The ducks bathed for hours, the chickens dust bathed, and the pigs made cozy beds in hay. All natural behaviors they’ve been denied for years.”

First-degree animal cruelty is a felony, although it is unclear if the owner of the animals will face charges, as of this reporting.

Donations to Heartwood Haven are encouraged, as they currently care for more than 200 animals and need to cover a variety of costs associated with their rescue.

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