- Idaho, USA -
Following the “appearance of numerous ‘husky’ type dogs,” the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation. In an initial news release, Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler said that “Many dogs have been found in many areas around Bonner County and neighboring counties that appear to have been abandoned and/or appear to be in visibly poor health.”
Sheriff Wheeler explained that all the dogs who were reported to the sheriff’s office, have been documented and placed at various shelters. Some of the furbabies are being cared for by private citizens.
In an update on the case, Sheriff Wheeler announced that the investigation led to charges being filed against 45-years-old JACOB MELVIN MCCOWAN, and 31-years-old JESSICA L. SMURTWAITE, of Utah. The pair were charged with thirty-one (31) counts of animal cruelty/abandonment of animals.
According to the release, so far, deputies have identified thirty-one dogs associated with this case but there still may be additional dogs who have not yet been captured.
“The identified dogs have received medical screenings & appear malnourished or in poor health,” stated the release.
Sheriff Wheeler expressed his gratitude to all the organizations and private citizens who stepped in to assist, including, the Kootenai Humane Society, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division, the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, the Northwoods Veterinary Clinic, and the Better Together Animal Alliance whose medical staff have provided medical exams and treatment “FREE of charge.”
Sheriff Wheeler advised that “For investigative and potential prosecutorial reasons, it is imperative that we be made aware of any other dogs of this nature that have been located and may be being cared for by citizens. We request that anyone who has one of these dogs in their possession and has not reported it, or who may have witnessed a person or vehicle ‘dumping’ these dogs, to contact Bonner County Dispatch at (208) 265-5525.
We are not seizing the dogs however we do need to photograph the dogs and document contact information for whoever is caring for the dog.”
KREM reports that out of the ten dogs placed in the care of Better Together Animal Alliance, four are well enough to finish healing in foster homes. On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, a foster family picked up from the shelter Sugar, a female Husky who is very special to the Better Together Animal Alliance because she was the first of the abused VOICELESS VICTIMS to arrive. Andrea Nagel told KREM that Sugar would have died if she hadn’t been rescued.
Ms. Nagel explained that the dogs will remain in their foster homes for two weeks before being adopted.
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