You are lucky to see them!!!
Anyway, here is update:
Fewer than 20 puppy mill dogs are pregnant | Local News | KING5.com | News for Seattle, Washington Charges filed in puppy mill case | Local News | KING5.com | News for Seattle, Washington Charges filed in Skagit County puppy mill case | KOMO News - Seattle, Washington | News four counts of animal cruelty in WA meaning:
Cruelty in the Second Degree: Fine up to $1000, imprisonment up to 90 days.
Cruelty in the First Degree: Fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 5 years.
Cruelty Laws
Washington
http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?...&chapter=16.52
Wash. Rev. Code 16.52.011 et. seq.
Sentencing Provisions: 16.52.200
Animal Cruelty in the First Degree: 16.52.205
Animal Cruelty in the Second Degree: 16.52.207
Animal Cruelty in the First Degree is defined as: “intentionally inflicts substantial pain on, causes physical injury to, or kills an animal by a means causing undue suffering, or forces a minor to inflict unnecessary pain, injury, or death on an animal.” This is a Class C Felony, with a fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years.
Animal Cruelty in the Second Degree is defined as: “under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal, fails to provide the animal with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space, or medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result of the failure; or abandons the animal.” This is a Misdemeanor with a fine up to $1000 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days. However, “In any prosecution of animal cruelty in the second degree, it shall be an affirmative defense, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant's failure was due to economic distress beyond the defendant's control.”
In addition to the above sentencing provisions, the following are also included: If convicted of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, the court may decide to defer the above sentencing provisions in lieu of 2 years’ probation; in cases of multiple misdemeanor convictions, the sentences shall be consecutive, but the probation period shall remain 2 years; forfeiture of all animals held if any one of the animals dies as a result of the actions by the convicted or if there is a prior conviction under these provisions, if animals are forfeited the convicted shall not be permitted to own or care for similar animals for 2 years; cost of care, euthanasia or adoption; civil penalty of $1000 that will go to the SPCA; animal cruelty or prevention educational program.
Exceptions are made for “game laws”, killing of venomous reptiles, protection of life, limb or property, killing animals for food, scientific research, animal husbandry, and rodeo.