Explore the complexities of pet business permits in Seattle, where animal welfare and consumer protection intersect. Learn how pet business permits impact safety.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Animal cruelty complaints fielded by Seattle Animal Shelter have risen 15% in the last year. This post digs into why.

Pet care facility violations, fires, and suspensions spark calls for stronger oversight and transparency in animal welfare licensing.

Tacoma banned cat declawing, but Seattle, despite its animal-friendly reputation, hasn’t followed suit. Why is Seattle lagging behind?

Animal cruelty crimes and arrests are up year over year. This article explores other animal cruelty findings in WA's 2023 Crime Report.

Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.

Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.

Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.

It’s not easy finding news about Seattle’s animals outside of feel-good stories, adoption pleas, and fundraising requests.

Animal-related crimes are often difficult to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Learn more about the burden of proof in this article.

Many dogs have jobs, and that fact changes their legal protections. 

The link between domestic violence & animal cruelty is strong. Legislatures can enact mandatory reporting requirements to police by vets.

Critical gaps in animal services planning will have a growing impact on Seattle as our population explodes.

A West Seattle case illustrates some of the problems prosecutors face in trying to hold people accountable for animal cruelty. 

Understanding how the courts work, and their rules, is crucial. Rules can influence case strategy, timing, and presentation of evidence.

On December 5th, 2023 the Tacoma City Council passed a new law prohibiting the declawing of cats.