YELM — A man faces possible animal cruelty charges after police and an animal rescue group confiscated 11 thin sheep from a Yelm home earlier this week.
Robert Ritzman was arrested on investigation of drug and animal-cruelty charges. He has been released from Thursday County Jail after a judge set bail at $2,500 on Tuesday.
The Olympian newspaper says Ritzman’s court-appointed lawyer at the hearing argued against bail.
The Thurston County sheriff’s office investigated after getting an anonymous tip.
Court documents show a detective found 11 adult sheep and two dead lambs at the home. The sheep hadn’t been sheared and didn’t have access to water. Police also discovered a marijuana grow operation.
Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County says the sheep were rescued Monday and are recovering. The group says the animals are very thin, and most have skin conditions and parasites.
