56 animals seized from Pierce County home, including puppies, a deer and goats
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office seized dozens of animals from a South Prairie-area property on Aug. 14 after allegedly getting tips that the animals were being mistreated.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune on Tuesday that the property was in the 300 block of Southwest Third Street, and that the property had a house and “several outbuilding structures” that were in poor condition.
There were 56 animals on the property when officers arrived at 7 or 8 a.m., Cappetto said.
“We seized cats, dogs, a deer, raccoons, opossums, goats and I think there were some bunny rabbits,” Cappetto said. “The initial complaint was for the care of the animals and the conditions of the animals and illegal breeding.”
Cappetto said two of the 56 animals had to be euthanized – a donkey that was extremely sick and a German Shepherd with behaviors “that weren’t safe.” The other 54 animals were sent to the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County.
Cappetto said the PCSO started an investigation into the property a month before it seized the animals.
“We had people submit complaints that there were animals in this property that were not being taken care of,” Cappetto said.
The PCSO worked with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cappetto said, which had also launched a separate investigation. Between the two agencies, they were able to gather enough evidence to get a search warrant, Cappetto said.
Cappetto said several people – adults and children – were at the property when officers arrived. She said no one has been arrested or charged and that the investigation is still active.
“Several of the animals are being disputed by the property owners,” Cappetto said. “But many of the animals were relinquished by the property owners – the Humane Society wants to chat with them on where they are at in the process.”
In a Facebook post, the Humane Society said one of the dogs gave birth within hours of arriving at the shelter.
“Among them are nursing moms, tiny kittens, and even one dog who gave birth earlier that same day,” the shelter wrote about the animals. “Caring for so many animals at once has activated every part of our shelter. Our veterinary staff is providing urgent medical attention, foster families are opening their homes, and we are working with local rescue partners to make space for the next animal who needs us.”
The shelter said residents can help by donating on their website.
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 1:50 PM.
