Court issues warrant in Island County horse cruelty case

Kristi Finch now faces a $1,000 bench warrant in Island County Superior Court after missing a hearing tied to restitution in the county’s largest animal cruelty case, while more than 70 animals seized from her Hastie Lake Road property have since gone to new homes.

The case began Dec. 24, 2022, after neighbors reported two dead horses on the North Whidbey farm. Deputies with the Island County Sheriff’s Office found dead horses and other animals in distress, including a herd that appeared emaciated. Early seizure records listed 12 horses, 22 dogs, 31 cats, several pigs and rabbits, and four chinchillas. Later records listed at least 11 horses, 24 dogs, 31 cats, two pigs, four chinchillas and some rabbits on the property when the investigation unfolded.

Finch pleaded guilty in 2024 to two counts of first-degree animal cruelty and two counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Judge Christon Skinner sentenced her to six months in jail and ordered more than $100,000 in fines and restitution, along with a mental health evaluation, recommended treatment and a two-year ban on owning animals. Washington law, including RCW 16.52.200, makes a convicted defendant liable for the reasonable costs of caring for seized animals, which in this case covered months of feeding, veterinary care and sheltering.

Finch has paid nothing toward restitution and missed a later hearing, prompting the bench warrant.

The rescue effort became a long, labor-intensive response on Whidbey Island. WAIF served as the adoption hub for many of the dogs and cats, while community volunteers helped move the animals through medical care and socialization. Some spent about a year at the shelter before they were healthy enough to be adopted. Two horses were too malnourished to survive.