A veritable menagerie was seized from an Oak Harbor property after neighbors reported seeing two dead horses in the yard on Christmas Eve, according to Island County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Deputy Evan Tingstad said when he and other sheriff’s office personnel arrived at the Hastie Lake Road property Dec. 24 and discovered the deceased horses, they quickly realized there were many more animals to deal with, including a number of other horses that appeared emaciated. They initiated an animal cruelty investigation.

Deputies seized a dozen horses, along with a number of pigs and rabbits, with the assistance of SAFE Equine, Pasado’s Safe Haven and several concerned Whidbey residents who helped supply hay and trailers.

Days later, deputies learned about several dogs and cats living on the property as well and obtained a search warrant to enter the home, Tingstad said. Coupeville-based animal shelter WAIF assisted with the seizure on Monday, Dec. 26, taking possession of 24 dogs, 31 cats and four chinchillas.

WAIF executive director Cinnamon Hudgins said this incident was the largest ever animal intake in the shelter’s history.

Hudgins said WAIF has a team of veterinarians running initial check-ups and tests and comforting the animals. She declined to comment on the condition of the animals at the time of intake, as the sheriff’s office’s investigation is still ongoing.

WAIF staff and volunteers have rallied to support the sudden influx. Hudgins said though space is tight, the shelter has room for all the animals, plus a little extra to continue taking in strays. However, the shelter has had to increase its food supply to accommodate the new residents. Hudgins said the best way members of the public can assist at this time is to make a monetary donation to the shelter at waifanimals.org to help with increased food costs.

“It’s a challenging time, but we’re up for it,” Hudgins said.

The only animals that were left on the property were a handful of chickens and ducks, which appeared to be in good health and had clean water, Tingstad said.

Last weekend’s incident was not the first time police have received complaints about the property. Just days prior, Tingstad said the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office advised that it had received a complaint of a possible puppy mill at the location. In January of this year, Tingstad said ICSO received a call about a loose horse, but when deputies arrived, the horse was no longer loose.

Last year in May, the sheriff’s office received a call from someone who had purchased a puppy from the property owner. The caller said the puppy bore some marks that might have indicated fights or scuffles with other puppies. In February 2021, someone called about sheep on the property, but when deputies arrived, there were no sheep visible on the premises, Tingstad said.

The investigation of the latest incident is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed as of press time.

Two horses were found deceased on a North Whidbey property on Christmas Eve. (Photo provided)