Pierce County deputies pulled a dog and several reptiles out of a neglected Tacoma home after a homeowner reported that former renters had walked away and left animals behind. When officers entered the residence on April 12 under a warrant, they found a dog shut in a back bedroom with no access to food or water and multiple reptiles in aquariums, some that appeared to be dead.
Inside those tanks, two bearded dragons were barely hanging on, described as severely underweight and dehydrated. Two other bearded dragons were already dead, and a gecko was in such poor condition it appeared to have been mummified. The surviving animals were moved into specialized care, and authorities say potential animal cruelty charges are now on a prosecutor’s desk for review.
Rescued from Neglect https://x.com/i/status/2045251230377841051
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) April 17, 2026
Officer response and rescue
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called out on April 12 after the property owner reported that previous tenants had abandoned animals inside the home. Deputies obtained a warrant so they could legally get inside and remove any surviving animals…