By Kassie Korich, Central Kitsap Reporter

Feb. 10, 2007 -- “Atrocious” and “sickening” come nowhere close to describing the deplorable conditions that 20 German shepherds were found living in at a Port Orchard home.

After reports of suspected mistreatment were reported to Kitsap Animal Control, the department’s officers obtained a court-ordered warrant last month and discovered 20 emaciated German shepherds living in some of the most fifthly conditions they’ve seen in recent years.

“They were all fifthly, covered in feces, urine and water,” said Rance McEntyre, supervisor of Kitsap Animal Control.

Kitsap Animal Control officers managed to rescue 19 of the 20 dogs. They tried for days to capture the last one, but were unable to do so within the allowed time limits of the warrant. The dogs were initially taken to the Kitsap Humane Society in Silverdale.

“A lot of them had scars, they were un-socialized and scared of people and fought over food,” McEntyre explained. “Most of the older dogs were elusive. Even the younger pups were skittish.”

Signs of inbreeding also were apparent in the dogs which were being sold by the owner through local newspapers. Two of the rescued dogs had to be euthanized; one was extremely old and its bodily functions had shut down, the other was dragging its entire lower body due to inbreeding.

“It was real bad,” said Jason Broyles, an animal care technician at the shelter who assisted in retrieving the animals from the home. “That guy was a piece of work.”
When the owner did feed the dogs, he would allegedly empty a bag of food and let the dogs fight over it.

“His motto was ‘survival of the fittest,’” Broyles said. “It was bad."

The suspect has yet to be formally charged as the case is still being reviewed by the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office.

“We’ve had to do a few follow-up requests, but the decision on charges is expected to be made next week,” said Claire Bradley, deputy prosecuting attorney in the case.

After being taken to the Kitsap Humane Society, the Washington German Shepherd Rescue organization took in the 17 dogs.

“To see the apparent neglect and abuse of these dogs first hand is heart breaking. Our Rescue is determined to rehabilitate these dogs while in our care and to re-home them with families who are committed to showing these dogs the kindness they have never had,” stated a news release from the organization.

On Wednesday, seven of the puppies were temporarily brought back to the Humane Society to be either spayed or neutered.

“They look a lot better, they look a hundred times better,” Broyles said, watching the puppies get carried into the shelter on Wednesday.

For more information about the rescued German shepherds or foster and adoption possibilities, call Cara Quinn at (206) 442-2025 or visit the Web site www.washingtongsd.org.