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Whatcom County deputies rescued 30 dogs from a property near Lynden, Washington, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The dogs were found in extremely poor condition during an animal cruelty investigation.
Detectives responded to a call about roughly 30 dogs housed on a property on Russet Avenue off State Route 539. They found the dogs living in unsanitary conditions with no access to adequate food or water.
Investigators noted open wounds, visible bones, and fur matted with waste and feces. They also reported evidence of worms in the dogs’ feces and strong foul odors throughout the housing areas.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said the dogs were under the care of Pittie Project PNW. Authorities say the group’s founder, 38-year-old Ashley Georgia of Bellingham, was solely responsible for the animals at the property.
Detectives also learned that volunteers had previously removed 13 dogs from the property after discovering their conditions. They found that Georgia had received donated food and thousands of dollars in financial contributions for the animals’ care.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that criminal charges are pending, but it hasn’t said what charges authorities are pursuing. The dogs are now at the Whatcom Humane Society, where they are receiving medical evaluation and treatment.
The shelter said the dogs are not available for adoption or foster at this time.
My thoughts:
The detail that stands out is the history before deputies arrived. Volunteers had already pulled 13 dogs out after seeing the conditions, which means people knew something was wrong well before this rescue.
It’s also a hard reminder about the word “rescue” on its own. Donations and food were reportedly coming in for these dogs, so the problem wasn’t a lack of support, it was what happened to that support.
Charges haven’t been filed yet, so the full picture isn’t in. For now, the confirmed part is what investigators found and where the dogs are now.
Source: FOX 13 Seattle, reporting by Will Wixey, based on information from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Whatcom Humane Society
