PORT HADLOCK – More than two months after 76 animals were seized from a Port Hadlock residence, the owners have not been charged with a crime, and the cost to Jefferson County Animal Services of housing the animals climbs.
Animal Services charges impound and daily fees for housing animals.
With those amounts multiplied by 76, the cost is becoming substantial, said Tony Hernandez, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office community services director, who is in charge of the animal shelter.
“Right now, we’re in the low end of $40,000 and creeping up to the high end,” Hernandez said.
The animals were seized because officials said they were neglected, with some dying from lack of care.
Fees aren’t the only strain on county resources.
The sheer number of animals the shelter is housing as a result of the seizure is creating cramped quarters.
“It does affect the shelter because we have [76] additional animals we have to care for,” Hernandez said.
“The shelter is running over capacity.”
