 Abuse and neglect of pets and livestock
Friday Harbor, WA (US)Date: Apr 2, 2003
Local Map: available
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Kathleen A. Brandt
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On April 2, a Friday Harbor woman named Kathleen Brandt, 51, was charged with two criminal counts (both misdemeanors) following an investigation the previous weekend at her rental home on Paradise Lane, where 12 dogs are among the pets recovered from the inside. She faces charges of animal abuse and creating a public nuisance following her arrest for failure to bury a horse and a goat that died at her home on San Juan Island.
Neighbors near the intersection of Bailer Hill and Douglas roads notified authorities after the carcasses of the two dead animals were left unburied and lying on the property for days. Investigation of the incident led to discovery of alleged abuse and neglect of livestock in her 2-acre field. Dogs, cats, a rabbit and chinchilla were found inside the house.
The interior of the house was trashed and covered in feces, according to authorities, who removed the animals, under supervision of a local veterinarian. The pets, some suffering medical ailments, were taken to the animal shelter, where they were cleaned and treated, and are now being cared for.
Brandt faces up to 90 days in jail and a fine of several thousand dollars on each count. She is scheduled to appear in court next week, but authorities are attempting to persuade her to sign a release so the animals can be adopted as soon as possible, according to Undersheriff Jon Zerby. Brandt moved from the house in December and made periodic visits to feed and presumably care for the animals, Zerby said. She'll still faces charges, however.
"The major goal right now is to have the court place legal restrictions on her ability to have animals in the future," said Zerby, who noted Brandt was associated with the shelter in an official capacity some time in the past.
The livestock found in the field includes 13 horses, eight goats and an assortment of chickens, ducks and geese. A Lopez Island resident reclaimed several horses stabled with Brandt, and who reportedly had difficulty recovering them from her earlier. The goats were relocated immediately following the investigation, but fate of the rest of the animals rescued from the home rest either with the court, or are in Brandt�s hands. Several unaccounted for cats are believed to still be roaming the field.
Since discovery of the animals and their condition, the shelter has been besieged with well-wishers and phone calls from concerned residents looking for ways to help, according to shelter officials. Many of the dogs -- mostly Pomeranian puppies -- required professional medical treatment and cosmetic care, the cost of which is expected to be substantial.
The shelter has established a fund to help defray costs of caring for the rescued animals. To make a donation or for more information call 378-2158. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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