Cruelty & Neglect

Why Does Seattle Need a Ban on Cat Declawing?

seattleanimalwatch

Nov 272 min read

Why Does Seattle Need a Ban on Cat Declawing?

Tacoma banned cat declawing, but Seattle, despite its animal-friendly reputation, hasn’t followed suit. Why is Seattle lagging behind?

After The SODO Dog Resort Fire - One Year Later

seattleanimalwatch

Nov 222 min read

After The SODO Dog Resort Fire - One Year Later

Dog daycare fire in SODO led to lawsuits and proposed safety law. Suits settled; bill failed. Animal daycare regs now added to eCompliance.

seattleanimalwatch

Aug 263 min read

Why are Animals Surrendered?

There are a variety of reasons that someone may surrender a pet to a shelter. This article explores the reasons behind those surrenders.

Animal Cruelty Findings in the 2023 Crime in Washington Report

seattleanimalwatch

Jul 222 min read

Animal Cruelty Findings in the 2023 Crime in Washington Report

Animal cruelty crimes and arrests are up year over year. This article explores other animal cruelty findings in WA's 2023 Crime Report.

seattleanimalwatch

May 262 min read

Animal Hoarding: Part 3

Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.

seattleanimalwatch

May 232 min read

Animal Hoarding: Part 2

Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.

seattleanimalwatch

May 142 min read

Animal Hoarding: Part 1

Animal hoarding is a serious issues that strains animal shelter resources. This series explores the complexities of hoarding cases.

Seattle’s Animals and The Local Media: An Uneven Relationship

seattleanimalwatch

Apr 163 min read

Seattle’s Animals and The Local Media: An Uneven Relationship

It’s not easy finding news about Seattle’s animals outside of feel-good stories, adoption pleas, and fundraising requests.

📢 Action Alert: Speak out for Seattle's animals!

seattleanimalwatch

Apr 114 min read

📢 Action Alert: Speak out for Seattle's animals!

Join us in letting our local government know that we want animal services addressed in the next iteration of the One Seattle Plan.

Introduction to Litigation: The Burden of Proof

seattleanimalwatch

Apr 91 min read

Introduction to Litigation: The Burden of Proof

Animal-related crimes are often difficult to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Learn more about the burden of proof in this article.

Should Veterinarians be Required to Report Suspected Animal Abuse to Police?

seattleanimalwatch

Mar 261 min read

Should Veterinarians be Required to Report Suspected Animal Abuse to Police?

The link between domestic violence & animal cruelty is strong. Legislatures can enact mandatory reporting requirements to police by vets.

2024 Legislative Update - The Bills That Survived

seattleanimalwatch

Feb 291 min read

2024 Legislative Update - The Bills That Survived

The 2024 Session was short. The following bills made it through the legislative process: HB1961, HB1097, & HB1153.

A Call for Comprehensive Animal Welfare Planning in Seattle

seattleanimalwatch

Feb 258 min read

A Call for Comprehensive Animal Welfare Planning in Seattle

Critical gaps in animal services planning will have a growing impact on Seattle as our population explodes.

West Seattle’s Animal Cruelty Case - Lessons Learned

seattleanimalwatch

Feb 22 min read

West Seattle’s Animal Cruelty Case - Lessons Learned

A West Seattle case illustrates some of the problems prosecutors face in trying to hold people accountable for animal cruelty.

Anatomy of a Criminal Trial: Part 4 - Court Rules, the Most Important Set of Rules You’ve Never Heard Of

seattleanimalwatch

Jan 282 min read

Anatomy of a Criminal Trial: Part 4 - Court Rules, the Most Important Set of Rules You’ve Never Heard Of

Understanding how the courts work, and their rules, is crucial. Rules can influence case strategy, timing, and presentation of evidence.

Anatomy of a Criminal Trial: Part 3 - Litigation and The Plea Deal

seattleanimalwatch

Dec 16, 20233 min read

Anatomy of a Criminal Trial: Part 3 - Litigation and The Plea Deal

Plea deals often occur in cases involving animal cruelty and neglect. It is vital that citizens understand this aspect of the legal process.

seattleanimalwatch

Dec 12, 20231 min read

Declawing Cats Now Illegal in Tacoma

On December 5th, 2023 the Tacoma City Council passed a new law prohibiting the declawing of cats.

Veterinary Social Work - a New(ish) Field

seattleanimalwatch

Oct 25, 20232 min read

Veterinary Social Work - a New(ish) Field

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

Title 9 of the Seattle Municipal Code - Time for an Overhaul!

seattleanimalwatch

Oct 23, 20231 min read

Title 9 of the Seattle Municipal Code - Time for an Overhaul!

Much of the law covering animals in Seattle is 40 years old - or older. Our city embraces its furry family members - there are more...

Anatomy of a Criminal Trial: Part 2 - Federal vs State Laws

seattleanimalwatch

Sep 27, 20233 min read

Anatomy of a Criminal Trial: Part 2 - Federal vs State Laws

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