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January 23rd, 2009

Commissioners Sign Resolution Addressing Dog Breeding Business

SKAGIT COUNTY – The Skagit County Board of Commissioners signed a resolution today authorizing litigation to enforce compliance with the Skagit County Development Code and to abate a public nuisance maintained by Marjorie and Richard Sundberg.

On January 21, 2009, under authority of a search warrant, the Skagit County Sheriff searched the Sundberg’s property for evidence of criminal violations of chapter 16/52RCW (animal cruelty). Evidence obtained during the search indicates that the Sundberg operation is linked to puppy mills in Snohomish County, that the dogs were maintained in unhealthy conditions, including severely restricted living spaces, poor ventilation, high ammonia content of air, unheated living spaces, feces and urine contamination of cages and animals, and the presence of dead dogs.

The resolution states that it was obvious that some of the dogs suffered from poor grooming, dehydration and open sores.

The resolution in its entirety can be viewed here (Pdf)

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson

360-419-3461