SEQUIM — Thirty-six animals have been seized from a small residential farm in unincorporated Clallam County near Sequim after the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office was notified of possible animal cruelty.

The Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was notified Nov. 23 of a dead sheep lying in the owner’s field, and other sheep appeared to be malnourished.

A deputy then went and spoke with the homeowner.

On Tuesday, Sara Penhallegon, the director of Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene, agreed to inspect the sheep and assess their medical needs. The owner declined the inspection, but Penhallegon’s observations indicated that several sheep were malnourished, emaciated and in need of immediate veterinary care, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant to seize livestock from the property for investigation of animal cruelty in the first and second degrees.

First-degree animal cruelty is a felony, while second-degree animal cruelty is a gross misdemeanor.

About 4 p.m. Wednesday, CCSO deputies, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office animal control deputy; Dr. Linda Allen, chair of the Animal Solutions Advisory Committee; and representatives and volunteers from Center Valley Animal Rescue and the Welfare for Animals Guild executed the search warrant.

Responding individuals seized 32 sheep, two goats and two chickens. Three sheep and some chickens were found dead on site.

The seized animals were then transported to Center Valley Animal Rescue for treatment; one sheep died in transit, and one died upon arrival.

On Thursday, the owner voluntarily surrendered his animals to Center Valley Animal Rescue. Due to the surrender, CCSO Chief Criminal Deputy Amy Bundy said most of the costs for care will be incurred by the rescue center.

The CCSO also may be billed for some medical testing, Bundy added.

Citizens who would like to help offset the costs can donate to Center Valley Animal Rescue through its website.

After the animals have been stabilized, “it is likely that they will be looking for forever homes,” Bundy said.

The investigation into animal cruelty is still ongoing; the Clallam County prosecutor’s office will decide whether to file charges, Bundy said.

________

Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.