Friday Harbor mayor accused of animal cruelty after family dog found wounded

The mayor of Friday Harbor pleaded not guilty to abusing the family dog.

According to court documents obtained by KIRO 7, a deputy with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office was called to respond to an “animal-at-large” call on Aug. 9 after a dog escaped her home and yard. The dog was allegedly “in distress and was visibly shaking.”

A neighbor recovered the dog, Sasha, after she left her owner’s property. When the neighbor retrieved the dog, according to court documents, the neighbor saw that her collar was so tight that there was “blackish ooze around the collar.” The skin had rubbed off in the area of the collar.

According to a neighbor, a pungent, foul stench emanated from the dog’s neck area and collar, prompting the neighbor to give the dog a bath and leave the collar outside due to the foul odor. Her nails were also curled sideways, according to court documents.

Deputies eventually made contact with Sasha’s owner, Friday Harbor Mayor Raymont Jackson. Court documents stated that Jackson said, “she’s going to be punished” and “you’re going in the doghouse” when he was contacted by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office after finding Sasha.

He claimed he had no idea about Sasha’s injuries or wounds. As for the smell, Jackson told authorities he thought it was something from outside she had brought in.

He was issued a criminal citation for animal cruelty, according to KIRO 7.

Jackson was elected as Friday Harbor mayor in 2021 before losing his re-election campaign in the August Primary Election.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Contributing: KIRO 7

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