Hundreds of cats and dogs were the focus of a large-scale animal rescue operation Friday morning when authorities served a warrant a property in northern Los Angeles County.
The warrant for a violation of animal welfare laws was served in Lake Hughes, about 65 north of Los Angeles. Authorities estimated that about 700 dogs and cats were on the property.
County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control staff members and mutual aid partners were at the location. The county departments of public works, public health and regional planning also responded due to other possible violations at the property, authorities said in a news release.
The DACC said it is the largest number of cats and dogs ever seized in an operation and might be the largest such case ever in the United States, the agency said in its release.
It was not immediately whether anyone was arrested in connection with the violations.
The animals were being examined at the site by veterinary staff. Those requiring emergency medical care will be transported to veterinary hospitals. Other will be taken to animal care centers for evaluation and care.
DACC said the large number of animals rescued will likely place a strain on resources and the agency’s animal housing.
“We are urgently request the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats,” said DACC Director Marcia Mayeda.
DACC said it is working with rescue groups and animal welfare agencies to transfer currently adoptable dogs and cats to make room for rescued animals.
In 2006, DACC rescued more than 350 Chihuahuas from an animal hoarder. In 2017, the agency rescued more than 100 venomous snakes and reptiles in a hoarding situation. That same year, more than 7,000 birds were rescued in the largest illegal cockfighting raid in United States history, the DACC said.