Some of the more than 100 dogs flown out of LA this week are now ready to find new forever homes in the Midwest. It’s the latest chapter in a growing cross-country rescue effort with pet-lover and TV personality Giuliana Rancic at the helm.
Shortly after the group of at-risk shelter dogs touched down, 42 dogs arrived at PAWS Chicago’s medical center Tuesday afternoon following a flight into nearby Gary, Indiana.
The transfer comes as Los Angeles shelters remain overwhelmed in the aftermath of a large animal seizure from a property in the Lake Hughes area amid allegations of animal cruelty, with hundreds of dogs and cats flooding the system virtually overnight.
Giuliana Rancic with animal carriers on an airport tarmac, with a plane and crew members in the background. Kamil Krzaczynski / California Post
Several pet carriers with puppies and dogs inside, with red tape on top labeled “Paws Chicago”. Kamil Krzaczynski / California Post
Giuliana Rancic carrying a pet carrier across a tarmac with a plane and several other carriers in the background. Kamil Krzaczynski / California Post
A light-colored dog peers out of a brown and tan pet carrier secured with zip ties, next to a white and gray carrier. Kamil Krzaczynski / California Post
Giuliana Rancic loads a pet carrier onto a Wings of Rescue plane. Kamil Krzaczynski / California PostRancic, a restauranteur and former E! News anchor, was on hand to meet the furry friends at a private Chicago airport on Tuesday afternoon. Her team told the California Post that the flight was an “incredible mission” that was “close” to her heart.
She also warned that animals faced being euthenized if accommodations could not be made.
As The Post previously reported, dozens of dogs were already flown out of LA this week to free up desperately needed kennel space. Authorities recently seized more than 300 dogs and cats from a Lake Hughes property, forcing shelters — already stretched thin — into crisis mode.
Many of those animals are now being held as evidence in an ongoing investigation, meaning they can’t be adopted or relocated for months — clogging shelters and leaving other animals at risk.
Giuliana Rancic loads dog carriers into the back of a Paws Chicago van. Kamil Krzaczynski / California Post
A dog in a carrier that reads “Anti-Cruelty” on the top. Kamil Krzaczynski / California Post
Staff loading a dog in a carrier onto a Wings of Rescue plane. Kamil Krzaczynski / California Post
“That space is taken up for months on end,” rescuers explained. “So now they will euthanize more animals because they just don’t have the room.”
Animals found at the home of Christine De Anda were found filthy, in need of medical care, and living in overcrowded conditions, animal control officials told The Post.
De Anda, of Rock ‘N Pawz Animal Rescue, has disputed the animals weren’t cared for properly and has vowed to fight for their return.
Giuliana Rancic hugging a man in a purple hoodie next to an airplane and animal crates. Kamil Krzaczynski / California PostNonprofit PAWS Chicago took in the latest group of 42 dogs — many of whom had already been living in LA shelters and were reportedly slated for euthanasia to make space for the newly seized animals.
Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, officials are scrambling to prevent further euthanasia. LA County has reportedly waived adoption fees in an urgent bid to clear space, while shelters plead with the public to foster or adopt animals immediately.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
