Investigators raid home of suspected animal hoarder

BOTHELL, Wash. - Dozens of dogs were rescued from a Bothell home Friday during a raid by animal control officials investigating a suspected case of animal hoarding.

A concerned neighbor first alerted King County officials last week about questionable conditions and a large number of animals at the home.

Animal control officers began collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and gathering a task force to work cooperatively on the case, which could involve possible possible criminal charges.

A search warrant was executed Friday morning, and six dogs in filthy condition with severely matted hair were removed from the home.

One of them, named Teddy, resembled a stuffed animal with his long, disheveled hair. Neighbors said Teddy hadn't seen daylight in years.

"It's hard to even tell that they are dogs, because they are in such horrible condition. And we've tried getting help for them," said neighbor Irene Anderson, who called animal control last week.

Animal control officers said the investigation is continuing, and more details will be released later about what was found at the home.

"It's bad," said Christine Lange of King County Animal Control. "There are feces. There is garbage. There is a lot of filth in the home. It will take investigators quite a while to comb through all the stuff in there. The worse thing I have ever seen. Worse than I expected."

King County Animal Control said evidence collected at the home may lead to an animal cruelty charge against the owner of the pets.

The seized dogs are being examined by veterinarians at nearby shelters.