Months of mysterious animal injuries in Battle Ground have turned into a full-blown police investigation, after officers say local wildlife started turning up with blow darts stuck in their bodies. Squirrels, raccoons, waterfowl and even an adult deer have reportedly been hit, and neighbors say it is not just disturbing, it has them worried for their kids and pets.
Search Warrant Served, Blowguns Seized
Investigators served a search warrant this week in the 100 block of Southeast 17th Way and recovered two blowguns from a residence, Battle Ground police told KPTV. According to police, the case dates back to Nov. 1, when officers first responded to reports of multiple young men shooting raccoons and squirrels in a neighborhood near South Parkway Avenue and Southeast 17th Way. Since then, investigators say they have logged more sightings and reports of injured animals in nearby areas.
Darts in Roofs, Trees and Living Targets
Police-released photos show darts nearly half a foot long, some with razor-sharp tips, lodged in home siding, roofs and trees, as reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Investigators say those recovered darts match a string of animal injury reports that began months ago, and that evidence has been collected across a residential stretch of Battle Ground.
More injured animals were reported in and around Florence Robison Park, where officers found four live ducks with darts embedded in their bodies. One duck was captured and taken for medical treatment, while the other three had not yet been recovered, KPTV noted. Neighbors also told police they had seen people using pellet guns and, in at least one instance, heard what sounded like a small-caliber rifle. This is not the kind of target practice the neighborhood signed up for.
Who Police Say They Are Looking For
Police describe the people they are seeking as several young men between 18 and 25 years old, according to reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Depending on what investigators and veterinarians document, suspects in the neighborhood incidents could face charges that include reckless endangerment and animal cruelty.
County’s Recent History With Blow Dart Abuse
Clark County has already been dealing with similar, high-profile cases in recent months, which have drawn the attention of animal-welfare groups. In January, advocacy and education organizations urged schools and community leaders to respond to an earlier arrest in the county after multiple small animals were found struck by darts. PETA followed that case by promoting humane-education materials for local schools.
What the Law Says and How to Report Tips
Washington’s animal-cruelty laws spell out several levels of offenses and penalties. Some intentional or especially cruel acts can be charged as felonies, while other knowing or reckless mistreatment can be treated as misdemeanors, under the state’s prevention of cruelty to animals statutes. The distinctions and potential penalties are outlined in Washington Legislature records for RCW chapter 16.52.
Anyone who has information, doorbell or trail-camera footage, or other tips is asked to contact the Battle Ground Police Department. The city’s news page lists Detective Josh Phelps as the contact for investigative leads and includes phone and email details for the department on the City of Battle Ground site.
