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Dogs with swollen muzzles found abandoned near Auburn

KING COUNTY, Wash. — Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) says three dogs were found under concerning circumstances near Auburn.

“Instantly noticed, you know, intense swelling around the muzzle, which is not normal for our injured strays,” said Sergeant Rebecca Smokoska with Regional Animal Services of King County.

She says one dog was found on Monday and the other two were found on Tuesday. All three dogs were found within a mile of Southeast Green Valley Road by different people.

They’re believed to be four to five-month-old Coonhound mixes from the same litter.

RASKC says the dogs all had swollen muzzles – and it appears their mouths may have been bound with tape or a strap.

“Unfortunately, these puppies are having quite a bit of puss coming out of their mouths. The vet looked at them and found it to be pressure necrosis, which is caused by pressure being applied for an extended period of time,” said Sgt. Smokoska.

Besides the swelling, she says the puppies seemed to be in good health. However, Sgt. Smokoska says the puppies seem unsocialized and traumatized.

“They expressed some pretty fearful behavior when they saw other dogs, which we thought was interesting. So these puppies, whatever they’ve been through, is likely not, you know, a normal home environment,” she explained.

RASKC is asking for the public’s help to find who dumped them there.

“We do need to interview them. We need to figure out exactly what happened and go from there. And that would be launch a larger investigation,” Sgt. Smokoska added.

If you recognize these dogs or have information that can help identify their owner, call RASKC at (206) 296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov. Reference case number A25-001848.

If you’d like to help RASKC in providing lifesaving care for pets like these, you can donate cash or supplies at kingcounty.gov/pets or via their Amazon Wish List.

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