Hundreds of pets are in need of new homes after a massive rescue operation Friday in Southern California.
Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control said it seized approximately 250 dogs and 66 cats from an animal shelter in the unincorporated community of Lake Hughes that was served a search warrant after reports of animal welfare law violations.
Los Angeles TV station KTLA reported that neighbors had complained about noise and strong odors coming from the property where the animals were kept.
A Friday post from the agency estimated the animals rescued to be around 700, which was later revised. “We are grateful the number was not as high as first feared — but the impact on our care centers and staff is still very real,” the Saturday message reads.
The county agency stated that the animals were under the custody of animal rescue group Rock ‘N Pawz. Its executive director, Christine De Anda, posted on Facebook that she has been receiving unspecified “serious” threats. The post added that her group has not been charged with any crimes and that it is cooperating with authorities.
De Anda alleges county workers injured some dogs during the operation. “I stayed on the property to document as they pulled our dogs out using catch poles and dragging them,” her statement reads.
De Anda told KTLA that the animals were healthy and “well cared for” by the rescue group.
“We ask the public to act responsibly and allow the facts to come forward without harassment or threats,” her social media post reads.
L.A. County Animal Care and Control is calling on the public to help adopt the animals currently in county care. “Our teams are working around the clock to ensure every animal receives the care they need,” an Instagram post reads.