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Wahkiakum Animal Advocates report surge in cases; county provides $2,000 in 2026 funding
Summary
WAAG told the board 2025 was its busiest year with 360 calls (about a 50% year-over-year increase) and 28 animals taken from the sheriff; the county approved an Animal Service Agreement providing $2,000 in funding for 2026 to support the group's work and preventative programs.
Wahkiakum Animal Advocates Group leaders told the board that 2025 was the group's busiest year to date and described rapid increases in demand for animal-welfare services. The minutes record: "The year 2025 was their busiest year yet, with 360 calls from the community: an increase of 50% from 2024." WAAG also reported 16 calls from the Sheriff's Office (a 33% increase) and that it acquired 28 animals from the Sheriff's Office last year, only six of which required holds; the rest required long-term foster homes and adoption services.
To support the organization, the board approved an Animal Service Agreement that provides $2,000 in funding for WAAG in 2026. WAAG leaders said the group will shift toward preventive programs this year including financial aid for spays and neuters, a trap-neuter-return program and community education to reduce abandonment and intake demand.
