Over 200 Animals Rescued: Sequim Woman Charged With Egregious Animal Mistreatment

Animal lovers were shocked when the Washington Attorney General’s Office filed felony charges against a Sequim lady accused of egregious animal mistreatment, which caused extensive suffering on her property. Angela Jacobsen faces 30 counts of animal cruelty, each carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The charges were filed after detectives discovered a variety of animals, including canines and exotic birds, living in horrible conditions at Jacobsen’s home. According to official accounts, many people were malnourished and lacked access to clean water and nutritious food. The animals lived both inside and outside the house in filthy, unsanitary circumstances, creating a nightmare for the vulnerable creatures.

Acting on tips, the Welfare for Animals Guild exposed the sad reality in late December 2021, compelling authorities to respond. Over 200 animals were rescued in early 2022 in ill and dire conditions, needing rapid medical attention and treatment. The AG’s office has underlined that the charges in their declaration are based on precise veterinarian records and observations of suffering animals.

The prosecution is led by Assistant Attorney Generals Scott Halloran and Courtney Blackburn. While the facts in the affidavit paint a bleak image, it is important to remember that Jacobsen, like anybody else charged, is assumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Attorney General’s Office is limited by professional conduct guidelines, which limit its ability to publicly discuss the matter as it proceeds to trial.

Despite the limits, the Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Division has accepted a referral from the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney to investigate what it considers an egregious violation of Washington’s Felony Animal Cruelty Statute. For the animals who once lived on Jacobsen’s land, this legal lawsuit may bring some justice for their unspoken suffering.