Ray Jackson’s rights to his dog Sasha were forfeited today September 25 in San Juan District Court in Friday Harbor. During the hour-long hearing, considerable time was spent on determining that legal papers were never served to the San Juan County Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office.
Jackson’s defense attorney argued that the case shouldn’t be dismissed on technicalities. He argued with Judge Caroline Jewett that the spirit of the law is more important than the letter of the law.
In addition to not serving the papers, which is required in a civil case to establish jurisdiction, the bond was another item that wasn’t done. The original bond covered Sasha’s care from August 9 to September 8, 2025. It expired September 8 and was not renewed in the required 72 hours.
The defense offered to pay a bond today, but under the law the dog was already forfeited earlier in the month when the bond expired and a new one was not obtained.
The case was dismissed. Jackson has an upcoming criminal trial regarding the alleged abuse of the small dog.
Previous stories about the case: