Whatcom County Sheriff's Office

10/23/2026

ARREST MADE IN WCSO ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA - On Monday, October 5, detectives with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) were alerted to a potential animal cruelty situation involving approximately 30 dogs. The dogs were being housed by Pittie Project PNW at a property in the 200 block of Russet Avenue, west of Guide Meridian. Photographs provided to investigators showed multiple dogs appearing injured and in poor health.

Detectives obtained a search warrant to seize the animals so they could receive immediate medical care and treatment. During the investigation, the property owner informed investigators that Ashley Georgia (38 years old, Bellingham) was solely responsible for the care and welfare of the dogs housed at the location.

The investigation established probable cause to arrest Ashley Georgia on 30 counts of Animal Cruelty in the First Degree. The Whatcom County Superior Court subsequently issued an arrest warrant for Georgia.

On Friday, October 23, Georgia was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail.

All dogs located on the Russet Avenue property were safely removed on October 5 and, per County protocol, transported to the Whatcom Humane Society (WHS). There, they received medical care and were evaluated as part of the investigation. WHS is in the process of transferring care to rescue partners where they will be placed into foster homes. All dogs associated with this case are responding well to veterinary treatment and care and are all expected to fully recover and be placed into adoptive homes in the future.

10/22/2026

A big thank you to Meridian Haggen for once again generously donating candy to help make Halloween a little sweeter for our community!

Our deputies will put this candy to good use at various community events over the next week and a half.

Thank you so much, Meridian Haggen !

10/17/2026

Sheriff Tanksley talks to KOMO News regarding the proposed county budget and its impacts on public safety.

Employees at the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office work in the basement of the county jail.

10/14/2026

Our Division of Emergency Management's (DEM) Deputy Director Matt Klein speaks to KING 5 about preparing for flood season.

Whatcom County experts encourage residents to "prepare how they can," including testing evacuation routes, arranging an emergency kit and more.

10/09/2026

New s*x offender registration and weekly transient s*x offender check-in schedule, effective November 1, 2026.

10/07/2026

WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATES ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

CRIMINAL CHARGES PENDING; 30 DOGS RESCUED

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA - On Monday, detectives with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) were alerted to a potential animal cruelty situation involving approximately 30 dogs. The dogs were being housed by Pittie Project PNW at a property in the 200 block of Russet Avenue, unincorporated Whatcom County. Pittie Project PNW was founded and is led by 38-year-old Ashley Georgia of Bellingham. Photographs provided to investigators showed multiple dogs appearing injured and in poor health.

Detectives responded to the property to assess the animals' welfare. The property owner cooperated fully and granted investigators access to the premises. Upon arrival, detectives observed numerous dogs in what seemed to be extremely poor condition, living in unsanitary environments, with no apparent access to adequate food or water.

Injuries and conditions visually observed by investigators included, but were not limited to:
• Open wounds on dogs' bodies, legs, and tails
• Evidence of worms in f***s
• Matted and discolored fur consistent with prolonged exposure to f***s and urine
• Significantly underweight, with ribs, hips, and leg bones visible
• Strong foul odors throughout the living areas where the dogs were housed.

Based on these observations, investigators obtained a search warrant to seize the animals so they could receive immediate medical care and treatment. During the investigation, the property owner informed investigators that Ashley Georgia (38 years old, Bellingham) was solely responsible for the care and welfare of the dogs housed at the location.

Investigators also learned that various volunteers had previously removed 13 additional dogs from the property after discovering the animals' condition. Information gathered during the investigation indicated that Ashley Georgia had received donated dog food and thousands of dollars in financial contributions intended to support the animals' care.

All animals located on the property were safely removed and are currently receiving medical evaluation and treatment with the assistance of the Whatcom Humane Society.

This investigation is ongoing. Criminal charges are pending.

10/05/2026

Thanks to everyone for the tips! This person has been found.

10/01/2026

Some great images from a recent Whatcom County SWAT training exercise through the Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center's (WRCTC) Enhanced Tactical Medicine course.

Did you know? Whatcom County SWAT team trains 260 hours a year!

09/23/2026

Recently, the WCSO honored career milestones, celebrated outstanding achievements and acts of service, and recognized those who have been promoted.

Recognitions are included in each caption.

Please join us in thanking these folks for their dedication to public safety!

Photos used with permission.