Mill Creek residents urge city action over alleged sewage failure, animal cruelty and other code violations at 13701 Thirtieth Drive SE

Several neighbors told the Mill Creek City Council about continuing public-health and safety problems at 13701 Thirtieth Drive SE, including a failed septic system and allegations of animal cruelty and possible dogfighting. They described repeated calls to county and city officials and urged faster enforcement.

Jake Amadin, a neighbor who spoke during public comment, said a Snohomish County inspection in late May 2024 deemed the on-site system “failed” and listed repair or abandonment as options. Amadin said county inspectors found a mound system failure and that sewage was discharging to the yard; he told the council he had documented complaints dating to March 2023 and a Snohomish County letter dated May 28, 2024.

The testimony grew more graphic as other speakers described welfare concerns for residents and animals. Laura Wellington, principal of Heatherwood Middle School, told the council the dogs “appear to be used for illegal dog fighting or as bait dogs” and said officers and an animal-control assistant had been involved. Wellington said neighbors had…