Law enforcement of Arlington has recently been called upon to rescue throw away dogs on two separate occasions involving three dogs. For almost four years I’ve observed the sad situation of cats as well as dogs that are deliberately abandoned by their owners. These throw away animals suffer greatly with lack of food, water and proper care. They multiply with babies who suffer the most as they are weaned from their mothers. Worse yet, are the animals that are owned, but whose owners simply refuse to properly care for them.

I speak from first-hand experience as I feed and try to rescue strays; and to convince owners to feed their animals. Two years ago, I wrote several letters to members of the City Council including Mayor Larsen, regarding my need for help in removing stray cats to the Everett Animal Shelter. I was turned away even after I spoke personally with the Mayor.

Now, I make this plea once more. All I’m asking for is for a few caring people to step forward and to help. In addition; if anyone is thinking of throwing away or starving your animals, I am including the possible punishment if caught doing such a thing. Deliberate animal cruelty in this state is a first degree Felony Crime.

RCW 16.52.205 A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the first degree when, except as authorized by law, he or she intentionally (a) inflicts substantial pain on, (b) causes physical injury to, or (c) kills an animal by a means causing undue suffering, or forces a minor to inflict unnecessary pain, injury or death on an animal.

(2) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the first degree when, except as authorized by law, he or she, with criminal negligence, starves, dehydrates, or suffocates an animal and as a result causes: (a) Substantial and unjustifiable physical pain that extends for a period sufficient to cause considerable suffering; or (b) death.

Thank you for attention to this extremely important matter in behalf of those who have no human voice.

Linda L. Courtney

Arlington, WA