The condition of the Husky-type dogs found abandoned in the south and western part of Bonner is documented in this photo shared by the Bonner County Sheriff's Office.
January 26, 2023
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Pair must repay BTAA for dogs' care
Judge also denies reduced sentence request
A pair sentenced in the abandonment of more than 31 husky-type dogs must repay a local animal welfare organization for the cost of their care and medical treatment. Also at the hearing, Magistrate Judge Tera Harden denied a motion by Jacob M. McCowan, 45, asking the court to reconsider his sentence.
Pair sentenced to jail in dog abandonment case
A couple charged in the abandonment of 31 Husky-type dogs will serve time in jail after being sentenced in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Friday. Jacob M. McCowan, 45, and Jessica L. Smurthwaite, 31, were charged in late January with abandoning 31 dogs in southwestern Bonner County, parts of Kootenai County and in Pend Oreille County, Wash. Plea agreements were later reached with both in the case, dropping the number of charges against McCowan to 10 and the number of charges against Smurthwaite to two since the extent of her involvement could not be determined.
Pair charged with abandoning dogs
At least 31 Husky-type dogs abandoned in area
Two former Bonner County residents are being charged with 31 criminal counts of animal cruelty and abandonment, Bonner County Sheriff's Office officials said Wednesday. Jacob M. McCowan, 45, and Jessica L. Smurtwaite, 31, are accused of abandonment at least a large number of "Husky-type" dogs in southwestern Bonner County, bordering both Kootenai County and Pend Oreille County, Wash.