Newport resident arrested on animal cruelty charges

NEWPORT — A Newport woman has been charged with several counts of animal cruelty after Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered more than four dozen dogs and three cats living in squalid conditions.

The investigation began when a citizen heard dogs barking late into the night, Pend Oreille County officials said in a press release. The following morning, the individual attempted to determine the source and cause of the barking and, at a neighboring property, they located several dogs in a pole building, in conditions that they described as “squalid” and “filthy.”

Shortly after the report was made to the sheriff’s office, deputies contacted the dog owner, Dorothy Salazar. During the visit, deputies saw evidence of numerous dogs living in poor conditions. Based on their observations, Pend Oreille County deputies sought, and were granted, a search warrant to enter the property and search for evidence of animal cruelty.

On June 17, Pend Oreille County deputies arrived back at the residence accompanied by a local veterinarian and workers from Pasado’s Safe Haven Animal Rescue. During the service of the warrant it was determined that the dogs and cats at the scene were unhealthy, and the living conditions were far from adequate. In addition, several dead dogs were found on the property.

Salazar was arrested at the scene and was booked into jail on charges of animal cruelty, first degree; animal cruelty, second degree; and transporting or confining in an unsafe manner.

Pend Oreille County deputies seized 49 dogs and three cats from a residence near Skookum Meadows Drive in Newport on June 17.

The animals were taken to a Rescue where they will be properly cared for pending court proceedings.