SEQUIM — A Sequim woman has been arrested on investigation of first-degree and second-degree animal cruelty after she was found in possession of 15 dogs, two cats, one pig and 222 poultry, ducks and geese that were determined to be neglected and underweight, according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
Angela J. Jacobsen, 53, was in Clallam County jail on Wednesday in lieu of $1,000 bail or $10,000 bond. No court date had been set.
First-degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. The punishment was increased in 1994 with passage of what came to be known as Pasado’s Law. It was named after a 21-year-old donkey at Bellevue’s Carkeek Park that was killed by three teenage boys in April 1992.
Second-degree animal cruelty is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
Jacobsen was arrested on similar charges in February 2022 that involved one goat, one emu, two ferrets, 27 dogs and 207 poultry, ducks and geese, the sheriff’s office stated in a press release. That case was referred to the State Attorney General’s Office for filing of criminal charges, which remain pending.
The initial case began on Dec. 31, 2021, when sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of animal cruelty at a residence on Toad Road in Carlsborg. A witness had reported numerous animals living in what were described as “deplorable” conditions and appeared to be unfed and lacking veterinary care.
Deputies investigated and determined there was probable cause that Jacobsen had committed second-degree animal cruelty. Between Jan. 4 and Feb. 14, 2022, they served multiple search warrants at the residence and seized the first group of animals.
The animals were underweight and most had other ailments from improper housing, according to the press release. None of the dogs were spayed or neutered and several were pregnant, the press release stated.
The animals, with the exception of a few dogs and the ferrets, were taken to Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene.
Deputies then received information on March 28 that Jacobsen had several animals at her residence that were suffering from extreme neglect. Deputies again developed probable cause that she had committed second-degree animal cruelty.
On Tuesday, deputies from both Clallam and Jefferson counties executed a search warrant at Jacobsen’s property and rescued one pig, two cats, 15 dogs and 222 poultry, ducks and geese. They were assisted by Center Valley Animal Rescue, the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society and numerous volunteers.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@peninsuladailynews.com.