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. 

Veterinary Social Work (VSW) is gaining in recognition and popularity. Washington State University, known for its veterinary program,...

When Federal and State Laws Collide We continue with our legal education series. Part 2 discusses a court case in which questions about...

What happens when a crime against an animal is committed? A person that harms or neglects an animal has committed a crime in Washington...

CITY ATTORNEY DATA SHOWS SEATTLE PRIORITIES Majority of City Attorney Animal Cruelty Referrals Are Off-Leash Related Animal Cruelty and...

The effects of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) on children’s behavior towards animals require a great deal more research. A major...

One of the overarching difficulties with prosecuting animal abusers is that the weight of the crimes never seems to match the frequently ...