30 Counts: Bellingham Woman Arrested in Russet Avenue Dog Case

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked 38-year-old Bellingham resident Ashley Georgia into the Whatcom County Jail on Friday, Oct. 23. The booking followed a two-week investigation into an animal cruelty situation that resulted in 30 counts of first degree animal cruelty.

Detectives received an alert on Monday, Oct. 5, regarding approximately 30 dogs housed by Pittie Project PNW at a property in the 200 block of Russet Avenue, west of Guide Meridian. The investigation led to a search warrant for the seizure of the animals so they could receive immediate medical care. The property owner stated that Georgia was solely responsible for the care and welfare of the dogs at the location.

Photographs provided to investigators showed multiple dogs appearing injured and in poor health. The Whatcom County Superior Court issued an arrest warrant for Georgia after the investigation established probable cause for the charges.

All dogs located on the Russet Avenue property were safely removed on Oct. 5. According to Whatcom County protocol, the animals were transported to the Whatcom Humane Society. There, they received medical care and were evaluated as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Whatcom Humane Society is in the process of transferring care to rescue partners. The dogs will be placed into foster homes. The Sheriff’s Office reported that all dogs associated with this case are responding well to veterinary treatment. They are expected to fully recover and be placed into adoptive homes in the future.

In other local news, Lynden High School closed on Wednesday, Oct. 21, due to a power failure on campus. The Lynden School District stated that the cancellation only impacted Lynden High School, while other district buildings remained open for instruction.

The Whatcom County Superior Court is also seeking applications from unrepresented claimants to serve on the WRIA 1 water rights adjudication steering committee. Two positions are available for voluntary, unpaid participation. Interested parties must submit a letter of interest to the court at 311 Grand Ave., Suite 501, Bellingham, by the Nov. 15 deadline. Selected applicants will serve a two-year extendable term and participate in online meetings on Friday mornings that generally require about two hours.