MARYSVILLE, Wash. — Marysville officers discovered 42 West Highland Terriers in a cramped utility trailer on August 31.
Officers also rescued two other dogs of an unknown breed.
Marysville police told KIRO 7 that many of the dogs were matted, covered in feces, soaked in urine, and some showed signs of medical distress.
A public disclosure request revealed the suspect as 68-year-old Lance Blodgett.
Body camera footage obtained by KIRO 7 shows Marysville police interacting with Blodgett as officers worked to take the dogs to the Everett Animal Shelter.
Blodgett reveals on body cam video that the dogs travel with him between Idaho and Washington, and that he comes to Washington to look for work and care for his ill father.
At one point, an officer is heard on camera asking Blodgett if he can take care of all the dogs.
Blodgett replied: “No, I was going to head back to Idaho, and there’s a place on the border where you know people buy dogs or sell dogs or give them away or whatever.”
Marysville Police confirmed Blodgett was not arrested on August 31 because they needed more evidence, and he was not deemed a threat to the public.
Blodgett is scheduled to be arraigned on October 7 for animal cruelty charges.
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