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Tag: Pets Animals

  • Seattle’s ‘Thanksgiving for All’ draws hundreds, helps pets for the holidays

    SEATTLE – Around 500 people celebrated the holiday at “Thanksgiving for All” in Seattle on Thursday.  

    Volunteers made Thanksgiving meals for those attending the 15th annual event at Xtadium and gave away essentials to those in need.    

    “She’s overexcited,” said Andrew Lima, a Thanksgiving for All attendee, pointing to his dog Sklyer, pictured below, who also attended.

    Lima, his wife Angel and his best friend Skyler were “having a ball” at this year’s Thanksgiving for All event.   

    Despite the long lines outside Xstadium, four-legged family members and their owners like Andrew were feeling dog-gone good. 

    “We came here to get support and be around people,” said Andrew.   

    Like many attendees, Andrew lives outside, in a tent.  He also has cancer.  The hot meals and essentials like clothing, shoes, blankets, hats and gloves, hygiene items and other supplies are a blessing.  

    “It means a lot honestly,” said Andrew.  

    Also, for the first time in the event’s history, people were able to pick up donated pet food and supplies for their furry family members. 

    “We’ve got some toys, treats, dog coats, to stay out in the rain,” said Andrew. 

    “I think with what’s going on in the world, the need is a little bit greater than it’s ever been, but I think that people also accept that community is the most important thing,” said Larry J. Snyder, Community Volunteer.

    The event was hosted by our own David Rose and FOX 13’s AJ Janavel also stepped in to volunteer. 

    Volunteer Josh Brumley says the event has inspired his law firm to do something similar in Kent next year. 

    “It gives you a feeling of thankfulness,” said Brumley.  

    Lima and others say they’re glad the celebration has gone to the dogs.  

    They are happy the community is willing to throw them a bone, because when the tails are wagging, and the humans can share a smile, it’s a blessing on this day of thanks. 

    “It really makes me feel good because I have two types of cancer right now.  I’m literally battling for my life and this makes me not want to give up hope,” said Andrew. 

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    SeattleNewsWashingtonPets and AnimalsKing CountyHolidays

    Jennifer.Dowling@fox.com (Jennifer Dowling)

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  • Invasive European green crabs discovered in WA’s Skagit Bay

    SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. – A research institution in Washington state recently announced the discovery of European green crabs in Skagit Bay, the first detection of the highly invasive species in the area.

    The backstory:

    A blog post from Washington Sea Grant (WSG) stated that a molt from a green crab was found in late September at Similk Beach, which is located south of Anacortes. 

    Further investigation and trapping efforts resulted in the capture of 12 green crabs across three sites in Skagit Bay, a “concerning” number, according to WSG. The crabs appeared to have invaded the bay several years ago.

    European green crab captured in Skagit Bay. (Photo courtesy: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community)

    European green crab captured in Skagit Bay. (Photo courtesy: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community)

    European green crabs are considered to be one of the world’s worst invasive species, known to disrupt ecosystems, shellfish harvests and fisheries. Washington has tracked the spread of green crabs since 2015, and has continuously worked to manage their populations in and around the Puget Sound.

    Dig deeper:

    This discovery comes less than two months after the Tulalip Tribes found a green crab on Mission Beach in Possession Sound. However, following a “trapping blitz” where 110 crab traps were set, no further green crabs were found in the southern end of Whidbey Basin.

    “It turns out that crab larvae coming into the Strait of Juan de Fuca can get shot right through Deception Pass,” said Emily Grason, WSG Crab Team program lead.

    WSG says Washington’s inland waters have seen a notable increase in green crabs this year. In 2024, more than 1 million green crabs were trapped and removed from the state’s coast.

    More information on the European green crab, visit the Washington Sea Grant website.

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    The Source: Information in this story came from Washington Sea Grant and previous FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

    Skagit CountyWashingtonNewsPets and Animals

    Will.Wixey@fox.com (Will Wixey)

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  • Breaking Mews: FOX 13 cat correspondent takes on Sea-Meow Cat Convention

    SEATTLE – Sea-Meow swept into Seattle this weekend, bringing cat lovers together for a unique convention devoted exclusively to cats.  

    “Sea-Meow Con is a cat convention for cat people by cat people,” said Braden Duncan,” Sea-Meow Meow-Chant Coordinator and local artist. “We have cat art, actual kitties.”

    Hundreds streamed through the doors Saturday to get their feline fix. Cat owners were also welcome to bring their felines to the event.

    Press Kit-ty and cat correspondent, Athena, the black cat, traveled to the conference to give us a feline perspective on why the conference is the cat’s meow.

    Strutting through the convention in a backpack or book bag is Athena’s favorite way to check out the sights and sounds of Sea-Meow 2025.

    “She’s probably the ideal kitty correspondent,” said Roseanne Kahn, from Seattle.

    As a cat correspondent with a keen eye for a story and a sweet purr-sonality, Athena got the celebrity treatment wherever she went.

    “I’m very impressed with Athena,” said Kahn. “She has a lot of poise. She’s showing real cat grace. She’s very fancy, and she really knows how to rock that little bag.”

    In fact, cats like Athena were everywhere at the conference, in strollers, riding in bags and on their human’s shoulders.

    One of the perks for cats like Athena is getting lots of pets from new friends like Ellie Beck.

    What they’re saying:

    “Cats are unique, and they have really different perspectives from humans,” said Ellie Beck of Seattle. “They are always like they are from a different planet or something.”

    Cats and their owners were also able to shop at more than 90 vendors who sell cat toys, art and crafts at the conference.

    “Athena is fabulous. We are making fast friends,” said Braden Duncan.

    Duncan owns Clockwork Art, and creates traditional watercolor paintings that feature cats.

    “My cats do help in the process,” said Duncan. “I have a little black cat at home too, who’s been modeling for me for 16 years. You will see a lot of her represented here.”

    Duncan’s canvas cat bags are a perfect fit for felines on the go, like Athena. 

    “There we go, kitten tested, kitten approved,” said Duncan, letting Athena try out one of her bags.

    There was also plenty of music and entertainment, including local cat activists and social media stars.

    “Sterling Trapking, he’s one of our MC’s, and we have Nathan the Cat Lady,” said Duncan.

    Here is a link to a full list of artists at the convention in 2025.

    A human-sized cat tree, built in the shape of a pirate ship and located inside the convention space, also gave people the chance to feel like a feline.

    “If you feel so inclined, you can pretend to be a cat and climb around the pirate ship,” said Duncan.

    Cat rescues: Giving back to the community

    Duncan says 10-15% of door proceeds will go to the rescue community from this year’s Sea-Meow event.  Crowds happily also lined up to meet a number of adoptable cats.

    “We have five different booths full of kitten cuddle puddles. So, you can come pet a kitten. It doesn’t have to come home with you, but we do encourage cat adoptions here as well,” said Duncan. “We partnered with over a dozen different local rescues.”

    What’s next:

    Now in its fourth year, organizers hope to put on another cat-tastic Sea-Meow Convention in 2026.

    “We keep expanding, so as many cats and as many humans as we can fit in here, the better,” said Duncan. “They love us here, and they keep inviting us back. It’s a really fun event.”

    You may even see cat correspondent Athena there again as well. 

    The convention runs through Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.

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    Pets and AnimalsNewsSeattleThings To Do

    Jennifer.Dowling@fox.com (Jennifer Dowling)

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  • ‘Buddy’ the dog missing after being stolen by 17-time convicted felon neighbor

    SEATTLE – A Seattle dog owner is pleading for the public’s help to find her beloved family pet after he was stolen by a 17-time convicted felon.

    Buddy, a three-year-old “micro bully” dog, escaped his owner’s yard back in July.

    One of the owner’s neighbors snagged Buddy and told another neighbor that he would give him back, according to police.

    But, the neighbor never did, and he even denied having Buddy in the first place.

    “It’s like having a family member kidnapped. I cared for that dog, like it’s my baby. He was very loving because he was loved. My family, they miss him. They always are asking for updates. Each time I talk about it it’s like opening that wound again like the first day he was taken,” said Feshea Black, Buddy’s owner.

    Seattle police arrested the neighbor while investigating a different crime. He was identified as Jose Antonio Haughton, who they say is a 17-time convicted felon.

    Prosecutors say during the investigation, police obtained surveillance video of Haughton’s home, and Buddy could be seen inside his home.

    Video also captured Haughton wrapping Buddy in a blanket and stuffing him in a car.

    Buddy in Haughton's home

    Haughton has been charged with felony theft in this case, which he pleaded not guilty to.

    Prosecutors say their case against Haughton is strong, but they just want to find Buddy, who remains missing. 

    “We hope that someone sees that picture and I think everyone involved wants that dog to come home safely,” said Casey McNerthey, with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

    The owner says someone might have Buddy, not knowing he is stolen. If you see Buddy or have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to call 911.

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    The Source: Information in this story came from Seattle Police, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.

    Crime and Public SafetyPets and AnimalsSeattleNews

    Will.Wixey@fox.com (Will Wixey)

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  • Firefighters rescue husky puppies after house fire in Monroe, WA

    MONROE, Wash. – Firefighters rescued eight dogs, including six husky puppies, after an overnight fire displaced a family in Monroe early Tuesday morning.

    (Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR))

    What we know:

    According to Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR), crews responded to a structure fire near 208th Place Southeast and Old Monroe-Duvall Highway around 2 a.m.

    Firefighters had to navigate a steep dirt road to reach the home and discovered a 5th-wheel trailer and a nearby house fully engulfed in flames. The residents had safely escaped before firefighters arrived.

    Firefighters rescued eight dogs, including six husky puppies, after an overnight fire displaced a family in Monroe early Tuesday morning. According to Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR), crews responded to a structure fire near 208th Place Southeast and Old Monroe Duvall Highway at around 2 a.m. Firefighters had to navigate a steep dirt road to find the home and discovered a 5th-wheel trailer and a nearby home were fully engulfed in flames. The residents had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. Since the area lacked nearby fire hydrants, Snohomish County Fire District 4 and Duvall Fire were called in to assist in maintaining the water supply. SRFR said a primary search confirmed everyone made it out safely, but they also rescued six husky puppies and two adult huskies.

    (Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR))

    Because the area lacked nearby fire hydrants, Snohomish County Fire District 4 and Duvall Fire were called to assist in maintaining the water supply.

    Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue said a primary search confirmed everyone made it out safely, and firefighters also rescued six husky puppies and two adult huskies.

    Firefighters rescued eight dogs, including six husky puppies, after an overnight fire displaced a family in Monroe early Tuesday morning. According to Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR), crews responded to a structure fire near 208th Place Southeast and Old Monroe Duvall Highway at around 2 a.m. Firefighters had to navigate a steep dirt road to find the home and discovered a 5th-wheel trailer and a nearby home were fully engulfed in flames. The residents had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. Since the area lacked nearby fire hydrants, Snohomish County Fire District 4 and Duvall Fire were called in to assist in maintaining the water supply. SRFR said a primary search confirmed everyone made it out safely, but they also rescued six husky puppies and two adult huskies.

    (Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR))

    What they’re saying:

    “The family reported being awakened by the sounds and smells of the fire, as well as flickering lights,” SRFR wrote in a press release. “No working smoke alarms were audible upon firefighter arrival.”

    What we don’t know:

    Crews with Snohomish County PUD responded to assess electrical hazards, but the damage to the property was too severe to complete the inspection. The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to investigate the cause of the fire during daylight hours.

    (Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR))

    The home is considered a total loss. The Red Cross is assisting the family with shelter and essential needs.

    What you can do:

    SRFR said the incident is an important reminder for the public to check their smoke alarms.

    “We are thankful that no one, residents or firefighters, was injured in this fire,” SRFR wrote. “Although the family were able to be awakened by the fire, this incident serves as an important reminder of working smoke alarms. When seconds matter, smoke alarms provide a critical early warning and can save lives. They are affordable, easy to install, and available at no cost to families through the Red Cross.”

    Firefighters rescued eight dogs, including six husky puppies, after an overnight fire displaced a family in Monroe early Tuesday morning. According to Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR), crews responded to a structure fire near 208th Place Southeast and Old Monroe Duvall Highway at around 2 a.m. Firefighters had to navigate a steep dirt road to find the home and discovered a 5th-wheel trailer and a nearby home were fully engulfed in flames. The residents had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. Since the area lacked nearby fire hydrants, Snohomish County Fire District 4 and Duvall Fire were called in to assist in maintaining the water supply. SRFR said a primary search confirmed everyone made it out safely, but they also rescued six husky puppies and two adult huskies.

    (Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR))

    The Source: Information in this story comes from Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue.

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    Jim.Jensen@fox.com (Jim Jensen)

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  • FDA issues recall of several brands of pet food due to salmonella risk

    article

    Pet food company Foodynamics is voluntarily recalling several brands of its dog and cat products due to possible salmonella contamination. (Photo by: Auscape/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

    Pet food company Foodynamics is voluntarily recalling several brands of its dog and cat products due to possible salmonella contamination.

    What we know:

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the recall is for specific lots of Raw Dog Barkery, BellePepper Cats, Kanu Pets, and What’s In the Bowl brand freeze dried pet treats.

    Why you should care:

    The FDA says a pet with salmonella infection may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, while some pets may only have a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. 

    Infected pets who appear healthy can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. 

    Humans are at risk of infection if they handle the product and do not thoroughly wash their hands. Symptoms of salmonella infection in humans are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. 

    Dig deeper:

    The recalled products were shipped from Wisconsin via UPS to retailers in Wisconsin, New York, and Florida. A total of eight packages were distributed to consumers in these areas.

    Recalled Foodynamics products

    Raw Dog Barkery Treats for Cats and Dogs Freeze Dried

    • Whole Chicken Hearts16 oz. package with use by date & lot #030527

    What’s In the Bowl

    • Whole Chicken Hearts16 oz. package with use by date & lot #030527

    BellePepper Cats

    • Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Slices3 oz. package with use by date & lot #031627
    • Freeze Dried Sample Treats (unpackaged & unlabeled)  .1 oz. package with use by lot #121426, 011526 

    Kanu Pets

    • Freeze Dried Chicken Heart Raw Treats3 oz. package with use by date & lot #031627

    Consumers who purchased the products can return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  

    For more information, consumers can contact Teresa Perry via e-mail at info@foodynamics.com or call 262-421-5339, Monday–Friday 9 AM to 5 PM CST.

    The Source: Information for this article was taken from the FDA. This story was reported from Orlando.

     

     

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    Mark.Richardson@fox.com (Mark Richardson)

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  • Criminal charges against man accused of abandoning Trooper the dog during Hurricane Milton dropped

    TAMPA, Fla. – Criminal charges against the suspect who was accused of abandoning Troopers the dog along I-75 during Hurricane Milton evacuations were dropped by the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office. 

    Giovanny Aldama Garcia was set to appear in court for his pretrial and trial in November, but the court drama is over now that the prosecutor entered the “Nolle Posequi” document. It’s a jaw-dropping ending to a criminal case that drew outrage from the community to the point that state law was changed.

    RELATED: ‘Trooper’s Law’: Dog abandoned on I-75 during Hurricane Milton evacuations inspires Florida bill

    The backstory:

    The Tampa Bay area was braced for a second hurricane impact as Milton churned towards the Gulf Coast with increasing intensity in October 2024. Evacuation orders were already given and drivers were recommended to stay off of the roads as people were encouraged to shelter indoors for the oncoming storm.

    During the chaos, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper clearing I-75 approached the Bruce B. Downs Boulevard area and saw an animal chained to a fence beside the interstate in the already rising water from the increasing hurricane-driven rains.

    Troopers rescued a dog found tied to a pole on I-75 near Brice B Downs Blvd. on Wednesday morning. Image is courtesy of FHP. 

    The FHP trooper was able to save the dog and get him safely into the back of his patrol vehicle, but the case begged the question. Who would abandon a dog during a hurricane? 

    MORE: Gov. DeSantis signs Dexter’s Law, Trooper’s Law targeting animal abuse

    Following the hurricane and disaster recovery, the animal cruelty case brought that question back to the forefront of local law enforcement. 

    The owner of the dog was identified, and a warrant was issued for Aldama Garcia for the count of aggravated cruelty to animals. Law enforcement attached Aldama Garcia’s driver’s license photo to the warrant.

    Aldama Garcia was located and arrested on that warrant and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on the single charge. He bonded out shortly after his arrest.

    Dig deeper:

    At the time, the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office filed information in the case that Aldama Garcia did, “Intentionally commit an act to an animal, or owns or has custody of an animal and fails to act, which resulted in excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering by being abandoned and unable to escape flood like conditions during impending hurricane…”

    VIDEO: Dog tied to pole on Tampa interstate rescued as Hurricane Milton draws near 

    The criminal case began to crawl through the court system as Aldama Garcia’s criminal defense team waived speedy trial and began to play the shell game that is the criminal justice system.

    Giovanny Aldama Garcia mugshot. Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

    Giovanny Aldama Garcia mugshot. Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. 

    The other side:

    The dog that was saved was named “Trooper” in honor of the law enforcement officer who saved his life. He was rehabilitated by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and following the hurricane, he was adopted by a loving family in Leon County.

     The incident drew such attention following the natural disaster that the state legislature took on the challenge to change state law to make penalties stiffer in cases like this.

    That law, Senate Bill 150 known as “Trooper’s Law,” was passed and went into effect at the beginning of October.

    What they’re saying:

    When asked about the change in the case, the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office responded that in the deposition process they learned that there was not enough evidence to prove that Aldama Garcia tied the dog to the fence in the rising floodwaters. 

    Since the basis of the charge was that the dog was not just abandoned, but that he was tied in a place where floodwaters were rising, that charge had to be dropped. 

    The statement from the SAO admits that the case did stir emotions and encouraged positive change with the new law, but the office could not pursue Aldama Garcia’s criminal charges in good faith without this evidence.

    What’s next:

    While the charges against Aldama Garcia were dropped, he did surrender the dog. Trooper the dog, not only has a new home, but it’s a new home with a loving family where he is cared for. 

    The new law means that a similar case could be pursued with a more serious charge as a third degree felony. That is a legacy likely to help law enforcement with cases like this in the future.

    The Source: This story was written based on court documents and a statement from the State Attorney’s Office. It also contains previous FOX 13 News reports. 

    NewsPets and AnimalsCrime and Public Safety

    WTVT.Web.Staff@fox.com (WTVT Web Staff)

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  • Helpless dog left tied to fence during nor’easter

    article

    The dog was left in the pouring rain chained to a fence in southern Connecticut, as a nor’easter brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the area. (The Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter)

    NEW HAVEN, Conn. – A dog was discovered abandoned and tied to a fence in southern Connecticut earlier this week, as a nor’easter brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the area. 

    The Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter in New Haven announced that a dog was found on Monday left in the pouring rain without any shelter. 

    Pictures of the animal show it tied to a chain-link fence as the ground surrounding it was soaked from days of unrelenting downpour. 

    The dog was found on Monday left in the pouring rain without any shelter. (The Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter)

    RELATED: A real Trooper: Abandoned dog left for dead finds new, loving home year after Hurricane Milton

    Officials noted that this is not the first time they have encountered such a situation in the Connecticut town.

    “This heartbreaking situation is, unfortunately, a recurring issue throughout our city of New Haven,” they said.

    They reported that the animal is currently safe at their shelter. 

    Anyone with information about the individuals who placed the pup in harm’s way is asked to share that information with the shelter. 

    “Together, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of animals in our community and hold those accountable for such blatant neglect,” officials said. 

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  • Seattle dog daycare employee charged with animal cruelty

    SEATTLE – King County prosecutors have charged 20-year-old Dejean Bowens with first-degree animal cruelty. He pleaded not guilty in court on Monday.

    The backstory:

    Seattle Police say he was working overnight at the Lazy Dog Crazy Dog kennel in Ballard on August 3 when he became irritable with a black lab named Mitch who had knocked something over.

    Detectives say he brutally kicked Mitch at about 4 a.m. The dog cried out and whimpered after it was kicked and sought escape under a table. Bowens then continued to punch the dog, Mitch whimpered, and his abdomen filled with blood. He became mentally dull and eventually would not respond at all.

    Police say Bowens waited an hour and 45 minutes until 5:45 a.m. before bringing Mitch to Emerald City Emergency Clinic. The emergency vet clinic found that Mitch’s kidneys may have been ruptured during the assault. They attempted to revive Mitch five times with CPR but were unsuccessful, and Mitch ultimately died. They said if Mitch was brought in immediately after the assault he would have had a higher chance of survival.

    Mitch’s owner had dropped him off at Lazy Dog Crazy Dog the evening before she gave birth to her first child. She and her husband were supposed to pick him up on the morning of Aug. 3, but they got a call from the clinic instead. They had been taking Mitch to Lazy Dog Crazy Dog for several years with no problems.

    When officers questioned employees at Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, one of them said that Bowens had called them at 4:40 a.m. crying, saying, “I messed up bad. I’m freaking out. Can you get down here now?” The employee asked what happened, and he said, “I kicked the dog”. Court documents say Bowens and his brother then loaded the dog into a silver sedan and left.

    Bowens remains free from custody. His next court hearing is a routine pre-trial hearing on November 26th at 1 p.m.

    What they’re saying:

    Stephen Biles, the owner of Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, released this statement:

    “Dear Lazy Dog Customers:

    “On August 3, our former night person physically abused one of our boarding dogs to the point where he passed away a few hours later. The employee was terminated immediately, and we began working with the police immediately.

    “We are heartbroken and outraged by this crime. We have been working actively with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served for this dog. Now that this ex-employee has been charged, we want to share with our community the steps we take to ensure safety of dogs in our care.

    “First, we understand the immense responsibility entrusted to us when caring for the dogs in our facility, and we take that duty very seriously. All of us have dogs ourselves. We work here because we love dogs.

    “We operate cage-free 24 hours a day. That is a unique and different philosophy. Our customers tell us that this is what they want. We care for dogs as family members in a safe, open, loving environment.

    “That means that dogs are always with other dogs and with humans, so training and education are ongoing priorities for our team.

    “Every new staff member completes an intensive internal training program focused on dog behavior, safe handling techniques, and care standard, a program developed by a well-respected dog behaviorist.

    “Beyond this, we ensure our staff are prepared for emergency situations by providing CPR and Pet First Aid certification opportunities. As employees grow within our organization,
    they receive additional training tailored to their roles, as well as ongoing performance evaluations to uphold our standards of safety and care.

    “We are actively reviewing our hiring and training processes to identify any areas for improvement. Our facilities have cameras, so dogs are on film all the time, and employees are aware of this. We are working towards making our overnight cameras available to
    customers. While we stay committed to strengthening our safeguards, we also recognize that we cannot always foresee or prevent the independent, unacceptable actions of any
    individual.

    “The actions of this former employee are in complete violation of our values, our mission, and the standard of care we have upheld for over 16 years while serving tens of thousands of dogs. We will continue to support law enforcement and hope that justice is
    served for the dog.

    “We appreciate that you might have questions, and we are happy to answer them. We want you to be confident in our care, and we welcome the opportunity to talk further.”

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    The Source: Information in this story came from court documents filed in King County Superior Court, a statement from Crazy Dog Lazy Dog, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

    Crime and Public SafetyPets and AnimalsNewsBallardSeattle

    David.Rose@fox.com (David Rose)

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  • Paws on deck: Washington State Ferries testing new pet policy

    SEATTLE, Wash. – Washington State Ferries is letting the dogs in. For the first time, leashed pets are now allowed in indoor passenger areas under a new six-month pilot program launched at the end of August. Your four-legged best friends can now sit next to you – on the floor – almost anywhere on board.

    “It’s a change from our old policy, where dogs were restricted to the outer decks, the car deck, or vehicles,” Callie Meleedy, a spokesperson for Washington State Ferries said. “So now leashed dogs can be anywhere their owners can be.”

    The shift comes after years of passenger feedback and an effort to align with other transit agencies that already allow pets onboard. Ferry officials say early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

    What they’re saying:

    Riders Martha Parsons and Denise McCollum, headed to Bainbridge Island, didn’t hesitate when asked about the change.

    “Love it. I absolutely love it,” McCollum said. “Dogs have become such great companions for people now and offer a lot of support and emotional support, and they’re like family for a lot of people. So it’s nice to be able to have them on board,” Parsons said.

    For Susan and Noel, traveling with their 21-month-old puppy Juno, the program made their trip to Seattle more comfortable.

    “It’s fun to be able to try it and see how it works,” Noel said. “I think it’s good they’re doing kind of like a pilot.”

    Susan says it’s a nice alternative to braving the elements during the winter season; however, she recalls a time when the rules were a lot stricter.

    “I remember a time when you couldn’t do it, and my mother was in the hospital and wanted us to bring over her small dog. She had a very small young dog, and I had it in a little crate, and it started to whine a little, so I let it get up on my lap, and that’s when I learned the rule, … no, I had to take her out,” Susan said.

    Not everyone is wagging their tail about the new policy. Some riders worry about allergies, nervous dogs or the occasional mess. The ferries have set a few rules: no paws on tables, no curling up in seats and no hanging out in the galleys.

    “As with our previous pet policy, pet owners are in charge of keeping their pets under control and cleaning up any messes that they make,” Meleedy said. “Our crew members do reserve the right to ask pet owners to remove their pets if their pets are being unruly or misbehaving.”

    Other riders suggested compromises. “Maybe sectioning off a certain section of the boat that would allow pets as a solution,” Parsons said. “I think as long as people obey the leash law and their dogs are well behaved, I don’t see any problem,” McCollum said.

    The trial run will continue through February 2026, when Washington State Ferries will make a final decision on whether to make the policy permanent.

    In the meantime, they’re taking all rider and staff feedback.

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    The Source: Information in this story came from Washington State Ferries and original FOX 13 Seattle interviews and reporting.

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  • SWAT team arrests kitten killing suspect in Burien, WA, planned human next

    BURIEN, Wash. – Video from the King County TAC30 SWAT team body cameras show officers taking 30-year-old Devon Detweiler into custody at a Jack-in-the-Box drive-thru after Burien PD detectives say he admitted to torturing and killing four kittens and told a friend he wanted to kill a human next. 

    “Show me your hands, show me your hands,” can be heard in the body-camera footage as officers moved in on his vehicle. 

    The TAC30 team was deployed because deputies say there was a good possibility Detweiler would be armed after he made statements that if police came for him, he would be ready. Detectives say he posed a potential imminent danger to the public and was charged with three counts of first-degree animal cruelty and one count of felony harassment – domestic violence.

    The backstory:

    Court documents show the arrest followed an investigation sparked after Detweiler’s father contacted Burien PD for help. He was too shaken to go to work after a friend of his son’s sent him Facebook messages and videos that allegedly showed Detweiler with two dead kittens and hearing him speak of wanting to kill a person. 

    Detweiler’s father called him about harming the cats and told detectives his son got angry and threatened to kill him. Detectives said Detweiler told his father he was “working up to killing a person” and planned to kill him first. He immediately accepted help from the department’s mental health professional to cope with what he’d seen and the fear he was about to be murdered.

    In the messages, prosecutors say, Detweiler described repeatedly harming the kittens after adopting them. “So I did kill him the day I got him,” one message read, according to court documents. He referenced several cats by name — Percy, Moose, Lucky and Tabi — and told the friend he kept getting more cats “in hopes to take it all back but it keeps happening.”

    Detectives said the messages included photographs, including one they say showed a kitten that appeared to have been mutilated. When officers executed a search warrant at Detweiler’s home, they documented holes in walls from the kittens being thrown against them, blood, cat toys and food, court records show.

    Detectives also recovered an audio message of Detweiler saying, “Every f—ing day, bro. I can’t wait until I do a person, bro, I f—ing love it, bro! I love it bro, I can’t wait.” 

    Court documents recount Detweiler’s descriptions of the killings. He told investigators he had grabbed Moose after the kitten bit him, threw the animal against a wall and later threw it against a second wall, causing the kitten to die. He said he threw Lucky against a wall while holding him and later placed the animal in front of a fan, believing the kitten suffered a fatal heart attack. Detweiler told the friend he did not have a reason for throwing Tabi, saying the cat did not bite or scratch him. He referred to the cat as Tabi because he didn’t have it long enough to name it before killing it. 

    “They were all beautiful sweet boys and I betrayed them one by one. People are next. I feel like,” one message read, according to the charging papers. Prosecutors said Detweiler also wrote he planned to continue harming animals and even sought free pets through Craigslist to target next.

    “Imma start doin puppies too. Tomorrow we gon see if we can get a free puppy, see if we can kill it,” he wrote.

    During questioning after his arrest, Detweiler initially told detectives he would accept mental health treatment, the documents state. While in custody, corrections officers said he later told them he planned to “rip his father’s head off” for contacting police.

    He was arraigned on Sept. 2 and remains jailed on $50,000 bail. 

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    The Source: Information in this story came from the King County Sheriff’s Office, Burien Police, court documents filed in King County Superior Court and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

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  • WA pink salmon populations surge in some Puget Sound areas, stagnant in others

    SEATTLE – The Puget Sound region is anticipating a substantial increase in pink salmon returns for 2025, with forecasts predicting a total of 7.76 million fish. This figure represents a 70% rise from the 10-year cycle average and is expected to be the third-largest return on record. However, some populations, like the Chinook salmon stocks, are expected to limit some salmon fisheries in the upcoming season. 

    The forecast marks a significant improvement from the 2023 prediction of 3.95 million, with the actual return reaching 7.22 million. The Green and Nisqually rivers are expected to see strong pink salmon returns, further contributing to the region’s positive outlook.

    Dig deeper:

    The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has responded to the promising forecast by increasing the daily limit for pink salmon in all inner-marine areas through Sept. 30 to two additional pinks. Marine Area 8–2 remains closed due to the Stillaguamish River’s inability to meet spawning escapement goals.

    In southern British Columbia, the Fraser River pink salmon forecast is set at 27 million. This indicates strong growth across the border as well.

    The WDFW has also announced updates to other fisheries in the region. The Skykomish River will open for hatchery Chinook from June 10 – July 10, with a daily limit of four fish, including two adult fish.

    This section of the river was closed in 2024 and had a brief opening in 2023. The summer steelhead fishery on the Skykomish River is planned to be open from June 10 to July 13, with a two fish daily limit.

    What they’re saying:

    “Planning this year’s salmon season was challenging because of limiting numbers of Thompson coho and the need to rebuild Queets coho. Nooksack spring Chinook, Stillaguamish Chinook, Snohomish Chinook, and Skagit summer/fall Chinook were also major conservation concerns,” said Ed Johnstone, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) chairman. “Salmon runs won’t be recovered through harvest management alone, but it is the co-managers’ responsibility to err on the side of conservation when we don’t have precise data.”

    “Climate change also continues to be a huge concern, because of the threats to salmon from warming temperatures in oceans and the streams they return to spawn in,” Johnstone said. “We all have to work together to rebuild the salmon runs to harvestable numbers by restoring habitat and supporting hatchery production.”

    By the numbers:

    Additionally, the 2025 sockeye forecast for the Baker River is set at 60,214, following an actual return of 47,824 in 2024. The Skagit River will open for sockeye fishing from June 16 to July 15, with a daily limit of four sockeye.

    Baker Lake will be open from July 12 to August 31, with a daily limit of six sockeye, regardless of the number of fish present in the lake. These developments reflect a positive trend in salmon populations across the Pacific Northwest.

    Continued conservation efforts and favorable environmental conditions are expected to support this growth. The increase in salmon numbers offers hope for the region’s ecosystems and fishing industries, benefiting both local communities and the broader economy.

    The Source: Information in this story came from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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  • 102,000 salmon spilled from tanker truck in Oregon. Here’s how most survived

    102,000 salmon spilled from tanker truck in Oregon. Here’s how most survived

    LA GRANDE, Ore. – A truck carrying more than 100,000 salmon smolts overturned in Oregon. Miraculously, a majority of the salmon made it to a river and survived the ordeal.

    The crash happened on March 29 when a truck, transporting about 102,000 spring Chinook smolts, overturned on a sharp corner. The driver, an ODFW employee, sustained minor injuries but survived the incident. The 53-foot vehicle skidded on its side, skirting pavement before rolling over a rocky embankment and onto its roof.

    A truck carrying more than 100,000 salmon smolts overturned in Oregon, and, miraculously, most of them managed to survive. (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)

    “We are thankful the ODFW employee driving the truck was not seriously injured,” said Andrew Gibbs, ODFW fish hatchery coordinator for Eastern Oregon. “This should not impact our ability to collect future brood stock or maintain full production goals in the future.”

    Following the accident, about 77,000 smolts made their way into Lookingglass Creek, a tributary of the Grande Ronde River situated adjacent to the accident site. However, an estimated 25,529 smolts did not survive, with their remains retrieved from the tanker or area of the crash site.

    dead salmon near a river

    A truck carrying more than 100,000 salmon smolts overturned in Oregon. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.)

    Emergency response services from the Union County Sheriff’s department promptly arrived on the scene, providing effective containment of a minor diesel fuel spill. They also supported on-site evaluations and vehicle recovery procedures, avoiding the necessity for hazardous material spill response.

    overturned tanker truck

    A truck carrying more than 100,000 salmon smolts overturned in Oregon, and, miraculously, most of them managed to survive. (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)

    Lookingglass Hatchery, responsible for raising these spring Chinooks, carries out this task under the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan. Their work is instrumental for recreational and tribal harvests and supplementary to the threatened wild population on the Imnaha River.

    Partners in fishery management, the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) were informed about the accident. The NPT staff lended their assistance during the recovery process by aiding in the collection, counting, and tag scanning of the deceased fish.

    overturned tanker truck

    A truck carrying more than 100,000 salmon smolts overturned in Oregon, and, miraculously, most of them managed to survive. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.)

    The loss amounts to approximately 20% of the total smolts meant for release into the Imnaha River this year. Due to this, fishery managers estimate a resulting decrease of about 500-900 returning adult fish in 2026 and 2027. Contrastingly, the 77,000 fish that survived will likely populate Lookingglass Creek, leading to the eventual return of an estimated 350-700 adult fish.

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  • Watch: First responders use plasma cutter to free dog stuck in tire

    Watch: First responders use plasma cutter to free dog stuck in tire

    Firefighters and police free dog stuck in tire with plasma cutters

    Firefighters and police in Franklin Township, New Jersey, rescued a dog that got its head stuck in a tire on March 21. (Credit: Franklin Township Police Department via Storyful)

    FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. – New Jersey first responders had the task of freeing a dog that got its head stuck in a tire. 

    The incident happened on March 21, 

    Firefighters said they tried to pull the dog, named Daisy, from the rim of an old tire but had failed. Instead, one of them had their own plasma cutter and used that. 

    RELATED: Most expensive, affordable cities to own a pet: Rover report

    “Special shout out to our Lt. Brandon Volpe who, with the help of the first responders on scene, used his personal plasma cutter to free Daisy from the rim. Daisy was not injured and is doing well!” Franklinville Volunteer Fire Company wrote on Facebook.

    Body cam video from Franklin Township Police Department showed the team of first responders rescuing Daisy.

    Storyful contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles. 

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  • Mischievous dogs caught at several Pierce County schools, returned home

    Mischievous dogs caught at several Pierce County schools, returned home

    PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. – Several furry friends got into some trouble after running off and ending up at several Pierce County schools.

    The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office shared several dog wrangling stories on Sunday, with the latest one happening on Friday.

    School Resource Officers at Spanaway Middle School were notified of four dogs that were running loose near the school.

    Since Animal Control wasn’t available at the moment, the officer sprung into action and corralled three of the four dogs in the principal’s office.

    Luckily, the officer had a few leashes for the dogs, where she later put them in the backseat of her cruiser.

    After communicating with the dog’s parents, they were later returned home.

    According to the Sheriff’s Office, they escaped by somehow unlocking various latches on an 8-foot-tall fence, allowing them to roam free.

    Another School Resource Officer also had a run-in with a runaway Husky at Cedarcrest Middle School back on February 29.

    The Husky didn’t have a collar, so the officer did some digging and found a post from two years ago where a woman commented that the dog was her brother’s.

    Using the school database, the officer was able to call the woman and return the Husky to her brother.

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  • Seattle Humane in critical need of food for shelter animals

    Seattle Humane in critical need of food for shelter animals

    article

    BELLEVUE – Seattle Humane is asking for donations to its Pet Food Bank following a “critically low” supply. 

    According to the shelter, regular walk-up hours have been suspended for Saturday because of the shortage. Normal hours will resume next Thursday from noon to 3 p.m.

    The shelter serves nearly one million meals a year and is solely reliant on its Rescue Squad to keep the shelves stocked. 

    Seattle Humane has posted an Amazon Wishlist of items that they desperately need. 

    FOX 13 has reached out to Seattle Humane for more information. 

    If you want to donate to the shelter, you can do so here. 

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  • Pregnant elk soar through Tennessee skies in state’s first-of-its-kind population study

    Pregnant elk soar through Tennessee skies in state’s first-of-its-kind population study

    Wildlife officials trap elk in Tennessee in unique calf survival, recruitment study

    Pregnant elk are being blindfolded and air-lifted in East Tennessee for scientific research and to better understand the species’ population dynamics.

    PIONEER, Tenn. – Pregnant elk in Tennessee are being taken on a wild ride through the sky.

    It’s all part of a groundbreaking study that aims to understand the population dynamics of the species better. Wildlife officials from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are trapping cow elk in the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to study calf survival and recruitment.

    “This is pretty important,” said Garrett Clevenger, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency‘s elk program coordinator. “This is not something we’ve done yet.”

    It’s part of a two-year study with the University of Tennessee, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 

    As a helicopter crew captures the cow elk, veterinarians and researchers assess them. Pregnant elk are implanted with transmitters that send GPS signals to track their movements after giving birth.

    Pregnant elk in Tennessee are being taken on a wild ride through the sky.(Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)

    “We’re putting a transmitter inside the pregnant cow, specifically targeting those, in hopes that when they give birth in May-June, we’ll be able to go out and collar the calves and then monitor them over the course of their life to see when they’re actually recruited into the population,” Clevenger said.

    The area wildlife agents are conducting the trapping covers almost 200,000 acres of mountainous terrain across five counties in East Tennessee. It is the biggest actively managed WMA in the state and is famous for being the habitat of majestic elk. These elk were reintroduced in the early 2000s and have since become one of the most well-known features of the area.

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    Wildlife officials said they are also investigating potential reasons for the death of the species, including disease and predators.

    “Another side project to that is also being able to look at habitat characteristics from both sites,” Clevenger added.

    Clevenger said it would be very beneficial for them to obtain that information, allowing them to understand the population dynamics of the species better.

    Read more of this story from FOX Weather. 
     

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