Imagine having your mouth tied shut and then being forced to live outside in the freezing snow while tied to a heavy chain.
This was the life that Griffin, a senior dog, endured until he miraculously managed to escape. He was found running loose on a county road with a leather strap tightly bound around his mouth. Griffin was emaciated, had open wounds and scars covering his body, and extensive medical issues.
Our Investigations & Rescue Team responded to Griffin’s case. And tragically, Griffin wasn’t alone in his suffering; after tracking down Griffin’s home, 12 other animals were discovered in dire conditions. To our horror, the responding officer found Magnar, a young boxer, chained to a post, shivering outside in the snow, with scars on his legs. They also discovered 11 cats crammed into small crates stacked on top of each other outside in the snow. They had no shelter, no adequate water or food, and overflowing litter boxes. We believe the cats only survived because they were so tightly packed in the crates that their shared body heat kept them alive.
Our Investigations & Rescue Team worked with the Cle Elum Police Department and Ellensburg Animal Control to bring each animal to safety at our sanctuary. Our trained team provided emergency medical treatment and kept them safe from their abuser, who was trying to get them back. Over several months, we provided ongoing care to heal their physical and emotional wounds. And we worked to ensure these crimes were prosecuted aggressively.
After months of work, we can report that their abuser pled guilty to Animal Cruelty in the Second Degree and was sentenced to electronic home monitoring, required to pay restitution for his victims and is not allowed to own animals for two years. Griffin, Magnar and each cat were given the justice they deserve for their heartbreaking abuse.
We know these cases are tough to hear about. But we want you to know the immense impact your generosity has on survivors. Your support literally makes rescues like this possible. Because of you these 13 animals now have a second chance at life. Our team is always inspired by the resilience of abuse survivors and their willingness to trust humans again. Thank you for making this work possible.
Griffin had open wounds and old scars peppering his emaciated body, but most cruel of all was the leather strap tightly binding his mouth shut.
Griffin’s open wounds caused him significant pain and he was in desperate need of medical care.
Magnar was chained in the snow, emaciated with scars on his legs.
Eleven cats were found with no shelter, no adequate water or food, and overflowing litter boxes.
Griffin found a family and finally got to experience care and love - here he is getting a full spa treatment from his adoptive family!
After months of recovery, Magnar was healed and showed us just how playful he could be.
