Deputies responding to an unrelated crime ended up saving six dogs that had been tied up and left to die on South Whidbey April 7, according to the Island County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were looking for a prowler in the Langley Road area when they came upon the emaciated pitbulls tied to trees in a wooded area behind a residence. The dogs had been left without food, water or shelter for three weeks.

The owner of the dogs left the area on March 17 and apparently abandoned the dogs, the sheriff’s office reported. Investigators are trying to locate the resident.

The six pitbulls are being cared for by Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation while deputies continue investigating the suspected animal cruelty case. The dogs cannot be offered for adoption without a court order.

Anyone who would like to help with food or medical expenses for these animals can reach out to WAIF at 360-678-8900.

In a separate animal cruelty case, a trial was recently postponed until June 4 so that the defendant, Kristi Finch, can contact a potential expert witness. She is facing two counts of animal cruelty in the first degree, five counts of animal cruelty in the second degree and tampering with a witness.

In 2022, deputies with Island County Sheriff’s Office investigated Finch’s North Whidbey farm after finding two dead horses. Horses, cats, dogs, pigs and chinchillas were rescued from the property, according to court documents.