A young child and two malnourished dogs were rescued on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 after multiple 911 calls from concerned bystanders led Kent Police to intervene, officials said.
According to the Kent Police Department, a witness first reported a woman walking along Central Avenue North with a young child and two underweight dogs, yelling angrily and making disturbing statements about harming them.
Despite an initial search, officers were unable to locate the woman. However, additional 911 calls soon followed, reporting that the woman had been seen again, this time emerging from behind a building without the child but holding his jacket—prompting urgent concerns for his safety.
Child and Dogs Found in Distress
Officers expanded their search and found the woman, her 6-year-old son, and the two dogs inside a parked car behind a business. The vehicle belonged to an acquaintance who did not want them inside, police said.
The child was soaked, shivering, and visibly underweight. Officers wrapped him in a blanket inside a heated patrol car.
“They chatted with him and kept him warm as he ate his food,” police said. “They later stated that despite being hungry, he was only able to eat just under 2 chicken nuggets before he was full.”
The dogs, described as ‘emaciated,’ were also taken into protective custody.
The 42-year-old woman, who said she had been staying with a friend in Seattle before being kicked out, admitted she had no plan, food, or shelter for her son or the animals.
Police and Social Services Step In
Due to the severe neglect and ongoing danger, officers took formal custody of the child and contacted Child Protective Services (CPS). Field Training Officer Mattheis and Officer Heasley bought him a meal and stayed with him at the station until CPS arrived.
The dogs were transported to Regional Animal Services of King County (RASCK) for care.
The woman, formerly from Everett, has been charged with criminal mistreatment and will be required to work with a CPS caseworker. Police also connected her with the King County CARES team, which began efforts to find her support services.
Community Gratitude for Good Samaritans
Police credited concerned residents for their quick action.
“These are complex cases, especially when it’s clear that long-term neglect has led to the malnourishment and endangerment of a child,” Kent police said in a statement. “We are thankful for the 911 callers who cared enough to speak up and help bring this child and these animals to safety.”
Authorities urged the public to continue reporting signs of distress involving children or animals in need.
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