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Animal Cruelty and Neglect Complaints in Seattle, Part 3: 2024 Seattle Animal Shelter Numbers by Complaint Resolutions
Seattle Animal Shelter data shows 1,008 animal cruelty and neglect complaints in 2024, with most resolved through verbal warnings, cruelty notices, or impoundments. Abuse and abandonment cases stood out, highlighting how officers respond to the city’s most common animal welfare issues.
seattleanimalwatch
Oct 92 min read


Animal Cruelty and Neglect Complaints in Seattle, Part 2: 2024 Seattle Animal Shelter Numbers by Patrol Area
Explore the latest on animal cruelty patrols in Seattle, with 2024 data revealing key areas for complaints. Seattle's patrols focus on the South and Central parts of the city, where median income is also lowest.
seattleanimalwatch
Sep 282 min read


Animal Cruelty & Neglect Complaints in Seattle - Part 1: 2024 Seattle Animal Shelter Numbers
Animal cruelty & neglect complaints rose 5.5% in Seattle in 2024—the highest since the pandemic. With abandonment & abuse cases climbing, can the City keep up with growing demands on animal welfare services?
seattleanimalwatch
Sep 124 min read


Stricter Animal Cruelty Standards Take Effect on July 27, 2025
A new law goes into effect on July 27, 2025 which provides broader protections for animals against cruelty. This article explores what this new law means for animals in Seattle.
seattleanimalwatch
Jun 22 min read


Data Bites - April 2025: Animal Cruelty Complaints
Animal cruelty complaints fielded by Seattle Animal Shelter have risen 15% in the last year. This post digs into why.
seattleanimalwatch
May 73 min read


ACTION ALERT: Urge the City of Seattle to Include Animals in Citywide Plans
Urge the City of Seattle to include animals in citywide planning efforts. As the human population grows, so will our pet population.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 14 min read


Accountability in Commercialized Pet Care
Pet care facility violations, fires, and suspensions spark calls for stronger oversight and transparency in animal welfare licensing.
seattleanimalwatch
Dec 30, 20242 min read


Why Does Seattle Need a Ban on Cat Declawing?
Tacoma banned cat declawing, but Seattle, despite its animal-friendly reputation, hasn’t followed suit. Why is Seattle lagging behind?
seattleanimalwatch
Nov 27, 20242 min read


After The SODO Dog Resort Fire - One Year Later
Dog daycare fire in SODO led to lawsuits and proposed safety law. Suits settled; bill failed. Animal daycare regs now added to eCompliance.
seattleanimalwatch
Nov 22, 20242 min read


Why are Animals Surrendered?
There are a variety of reasons that someone may surrender a pet to a shelter. This article explores the reasons behind those surrenders.
seattleanimalwatch
Aug 26, 20243 min read


Animal Cruelty Findings in the 2023 Crime in Washington Report
Animal cruelty crimes and arrests are up year over year. This article explores other animal cruelty findings in WA's 2023 Crime Report.
seattleanimalwatch
Jul 22, 20242 min read


Animal Hoarding: Part 3
Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.
seattleanimalwatch
May 27, 20242 min read


Animal Hoarding: Part 2
Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.
seattleanimalwatch
May 24, 20242 min read


Animal Hoarding: Part 1
Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.
seattleanimalwatch
May 15, 20242 min read


Seattle’s Animals and The Local Media: An Uneven Relationship
It’s not easy finding news about Seattle’s animals outside of feel-good stories, adoption pleas, and fundraising requests.
seattleanimalwatch
Apr 16, 20243 min read


📢 Action Alert: Speak out for Seattle's animals!
Join us in letting our local government know that we want animal services addressed in the next iteration of the One Seattle Plan.
seattleanimalwatch
Apr 11, 20244 min read


Introduction to Litigation: The Burden of Proof
Animal-related crimes are often difficult to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Learn more about the burden of proof in this article.
seattleanimalwatch
Apr 9, 20241 min read


Should Veterinarians be Required to Report Suspected Animal Abuse to Police?
The link between domestic violence & animal cruelty is strong. Legislatures can enact mandatory reporting requirements to police by vets.
seattleanimalwatch
Mar 26, 20241 min read


2024 Legislative Update - The Bills That Survived
The 2024 Session was short. The following bills made it through the legislative process: HB1961, HB1097, & HB1153.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 29, 20241 min read


A Call for Comprehensive Animal Welfare Planning in Seattle
Critical gaps in animal services planning will have a growing impact on Seattle as our population explodes.
seattleanimalwatch
Feb 25, 20248 min read
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