More neglected animals rescued by investigators, Thurston Sheriff’s Office says

This story has been updated with new information.

More neglected animals have been rescued from “extremely poor conditions,” the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced in a social media post on Friday.

The animal cruelty team rescued 21 chickens, 17 dogs, nine cats and two pigs, according to the announcement.

The post did not shed light on where the animals were found or who was involved.

However, Saturday’s Thurston County jail log shows that a 54-year-old man and a 51-year-old man were arrested Friday in the 5800 block of 137th Lane Southwest on suspicion of multiple counts of animal cruelty. That location is near Maytown.

“We are deeply grateful to Joint Animal Services and their dedicated volunteers with their Animal Cruelty Response Team, Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County, and the Thurston County Fairgrounds for stepping up to help provide safe shelter and care for these animals,” the social media post reads.

This is the second animal rescue in as many weeks, according to the sheriff’s office.

Nearly 200 birds, including chickens, turkeys and geese, 33 pigs, four dogs and one bull were recently rescued from “truly horrific and unacceptable living conditions,” the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced on social media.

This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM.