An
American Kennel Club judge in Kings County, Washington, could be facing
charges of 14 counts of animal cruelty after more than 60 dogs were
seized from her home. The Sheriff’s Department seized 62 dogs from
Margie Hamilton’s home, 15 of which had to be euthanized because they
were so ill. The investigation was sparked by a video sent anonymously
to Pasado’s Safe Haven, an animal rescue group. The rescue group
conducted their own investigation first, finding 38 additional dogs that
they believe belonged to Hamilton at a different location. They then
turned over what they found to authorities. A spokeswoman for Pasado’s
said the dogs were living in small kennels, stacked up on top of one
another and filled with feces and urine. The dogs were mainly
Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and Japanese Chins. All three
breeds are listed on the AKC website as breeds that Hamilton is approved
to judge in dog shows. The surviving dogs have been placed with an
animal sanctuary and are up for adoption. One of the dogs rescued had
won a coveted award at the Westminster Kennel Club Show earlier this
year.
