Surviving puppies in animal abuse case quickly find new homes

Five surviving puppies rescued during an animal cruelty investigation in Monroe last month were spoken for 20 minutes after their adoption was open to the public.

The Everett Animal Shelter, where the puppies were placed for care — followed by foster homes — held the public event on Sunday, May 20. Monroe Police had announced they were in good health a few days before.

“Owners have all agreed to plan puppy play dates in the future for these surviving pups,” according to an MPD update on social media.

A Monroe man had been arrested at the home where the puppies were found in April. William Allingham has not been formerly charged yet, according to the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The 30-year-old convicted felon posted $5,000 bail, according to the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Monroe Police arrested Allingham on April 24 for unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen semi-automatic rifle and methamphetamine, according to an agency news release.

Officers had responded to his residence at the 15400 block of 182nd Avenue the day before, after someone reported there was a dead dog inside a box at the front door.

Officers found the dead puppy, but Allingham wasn’t home. They returned the next day, offering to take the remaining puppies to a veterinarian, but Allingham said he would do it himself, according to a news release.

Police returned with search warrant for second-degree animal cruelty later that day. The warrant allowed them to enter and take any living and deceased puppies, as well as evidence and contraband of animal cruelty.

Monroe Police reported finding two more dead puppies and seven 3-week-old puppies still alive but in various stages of neglect in the home, according to the release. A necropsy report provided by a veterinarian showed the deceased pups were underweight and dehydrated, and there was a probable secondary respiratory infection.

The surviving puppies were also checked out and then taken to the Everett Animal Shelter. One puppy died overnight, and another the next day, said MPD administrative director Debbie Willis.

Officers reportedly saw a gun safe, drug paraphernalia and what was suspected to be methamphetamine while searching the home for the animals.

The find prompted officers to secure another second search warrant for weapons and narcotics, according to the release. As a convicted felon, Allingham is not allowed to have firearms. A witness also had allegedly seen Allingham with a rifle earlier in April, according to the release.

Monroe Police reported recovering a Springfield Armory rifle from the home that was connected with a Granite Falls burglary, and what later tested positive as methamphetamine.

Willis told the Monitor it’s unclear at this time whether the Monroe man is suspected in that burglary or possibly purchased the stolen firearm.

Allingham was arrested and booked into the Snohomish County Jail. No charges have been filed yet, according to the prosecuting attorney’s office.