Couple sentenced

According to a press release from the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office, Skamokawa residents Paul and Daria Lacy pled guilty to three counts of animal cruelty, “successfully resolving the on-going legal process” in court proceedings delayed by covid-19.

The Lacys were sentenced in early December. They are prohibited from having any animals in their possession. They are not allowed to breed, board, train, pet-sit, shelter, rescue, buy, sell, adopt, foster, or raise or keep any animal. The court, a probation officer, or any law enforcement officer may inspect any of their property at any time, including community property. Probation and community service are required. Their fines, fees, and restitution to Wahkiakum County and the Cowlitz County Humane Society total $7,315.

The pair had been charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty and two counts of transporting or confining a domestic animal in an unsafe manner, charges to which they earlier pled not guilty.

“The Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office along with partners Cowlitz County Humane Society, worked conjunctly for months and served several days of search warrants to rescue animals from the residence. The Humane Society and particularly Animal Control Officer Tina Schneider was a vital part of this investigation, along with the countless hours that WCSO deputies spent to extricate over 165 animals and bring this case to a successful conclusion,” the press release said.