Around 700 dogs and cats have been rescued in a large-scale animal welfare operation in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) executed a search warrant in Lake Hughes, California, on Friday morning for alleged violations of animal welfare laws. Local officials reported that approximately 400 dogs and 300 cats were found on the property and required immediate rescue. According to DACC, this is the largest number of animals they have ever seized and may be the biggest case of its kind in U.S. history.
The animals were under the care of Christine De Anda, who runs Rock N Pawz Rescue, as per authorities. It remains unclear if any charges have been filed in connection with the operation. The Independent has contacted Rock N Pawz for further information.
Over 70 staff members from the Department of Animal Care and Control, along with teams from spcaLA, Pasadena Humane, and Kern County Animal Services, worked together to rescue the animals.
“We are collaborating with DACC and partner agencies, all focused on ensuring these animals are safe and receive the care they need,” said Pasadena Humane. “As this effort continues, we are ready to provide support in any way that benefits the animals involved.”
Representatives from the Los Angeles County Departments of Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning were also present at the property due to other alleged violations.
In a press release shared on Facebook around 8 a.m. local time, DACC stated that the animals were being triaged on-site by veterinary medical staff. Those requiring emergency care were promptly taken to veterinary hospitals, while others were transported to the department’s animal care centers.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control has extensive experience in such rescue operations. In 2017, animal specialists rescued over 100 venomous snakes and reptiles from an animal hoarding situation. That same year, the department also rescued more than 7,000 birds during what it described as the largest illegal cockfighting raid in U.S. history.
With the recent influx of dogs and cats from the operation, the department is working with rescue groups and other animal welfare organizations to transfer pets that are ready for adoption, making space for the newly rescued animals.
“We are urgently asking the public to help support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats,” said Marcia Mayeda, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.
In a follow-up post on Facebook, the department requested assistance with the medical care, housing, and other needs of the rescued animals. They urged the public to donate to the LA County Animal Care Foundation.
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