Los Angeles animal control officials seized hundreds of cats and dogs from a Lake Hughes property on Friday — in one of largest animal rescue operations in U.S. history.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said that roughly 200 to 300 caged dogs and cats were saved from unsanitary and filthy “hoarding” conditions, they told The Post.
The animals were taken after a search warrant was issued for violation of animal welfare laws. The felines and canines were in the custody of Christine De’Anda of Rock N Pawz Animal Rescue.
The animals also included at least one goat and one pig.
At least some of animals required medical care, the DACC said.
Los Angeles County officials are carrying out what may be the largest animal rescue operation in U.S. history. KTLA
A Rock ‘N Pawz Rescue dog. Rock 'N Pawz Rescue“The animals are currently being triaged on site by veterinary and medical staff. Those animals requiring emergency medical care will be immediately transported to veterinary hospitals. The others will be transported to DACC animal care centers for further evaluation and care,” officials said in a press release.
The massive operation required more than 70 members of the DACC to assist.
The DACC initially said it was the “largest number of dogs and cats” they had ever seized and believed it was the largest of its kind in the country. But they had based their original 700 dogs and cats estimate off an anonymous tip from someone who had witnessed the property, and discovered a smaller number of animals when they arrived on scene.
The DACC initially said it was the “largest number of dogs and cats” they had ever seized and believed it was the largest of its kind in the country. Christine De Anda / Facebook
Puppies shown on Christine De’Anda’s Facebook page. Christine De Anda / FacebookThe number of animals on scene still appeared to be past the limit De’Anda’s rescue organization was allowed to keep, a DACC official said.
The massive influx of animals will put a “strain” on DACC resources, they said, and they’re opening animal care centers this Sunday to accommodate.
The massive influx of animals will put a “strain” on DACC resources, they said, and they’re opening animal care centers this Sunday to accommodate it. KTLA
Christine De Anda of Rock N Paws Animal Rescue. Christine De Anda / FacebookDACC is working with outside animal groups to transfer adoptable dogs and cats to accommodate the rescued animals. The Pasadena Humane Society, LA SPCA and Kern County Animal Control assisted in the operation, which DACC said they prepared for.
A DACC official told The Post that the animals are being considered as evidence in a potential case against De’Anda that has yet to be submitted to the LA District Attorney.
It’s not clear if De’Anda is being charged. Rock N Pawz says on its website that it prides itself “on being one of the most compassionate pet adoption organizations in Southern California.”
The Los Angeles District Attorney told The Post that no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made. The DACC is leading the ongoing investigation and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation is assisting, they, said.
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