30 dogs found in poor condition at Lynden address

Residents of Lynden learned today that a local woman has been booked into jail on 30 counts of first-degree animal cruelty. The arrest followed an investigation into the conditions of roughly 30 dogs housed at a property in the 200 block of Russet Avenue.

Affidavit of probable cause filed on Oct. 7 in Whatcom County Superior Court details the findings. Investigators from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office observed 17 dogs on the property during their visit. These animals were found among feces and urine with no access to food or water, despite supplies being present on the site.

The court documents state that each dog had open wounds and worms. Investigators noted the animals had matted fur and weight loss that exposed their bones. The area where the dogs were housed had a distinct odor. The property owner told investigators that one dog had died and was buried on the property.

Ashley Nichole Georgia, 38, was identified by witnesses as the person operating the program and responsible for the dogs. She was arrested Oct. 23 on a bench warrant and booked into the Whatcom County Jail. Pittie Project PNW initially reported the situation to investigators on Oct. 5.

A witness reported taking two dogs from the property that had injuries, though photographs showed the animals were uninjured when they arrived. Volunteers previously removed 13 other dogs from the location. Georgia received donated food and funds to care for the animals, and all remaining animals have been removed for medical care.