Pit bull owner to be cited for cruelty; dog recovering

Published 1:30 am Friday, July 15, 2016

LAKE STEVENS — Police are closing an animal cruelty investigation that involved the alleged starvation of a pit bull in Lake Stevens.

The dog owner, a 39-year-old Lake Stevens man, will be issued a citation for second-degree animal cruelty, officials said Friday. Under state law, the misdemeanor applies in situations where “someone inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain” on an animal.

The dog, named Boozer, is believed to be 11 years old. Neighbors called law enforcement in late May to report that Boozer looked emaciated. He was taken from his owner at the beginning of the investigation.

On Friday, he still was recovering at a local rescue organization, police said. He has gained 14 pounds there.