About 700 dogs and cats were being rescued from a property in the Lake Hughes area Friday, county animal control officials announced.
Personnel from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control served a search warrant in the 46000 block of 226th Street West at 7 a.m. Friday before mounting a large-scale rescue operation, officials said.
“The warrant was served with support from investigators from the Office of the District Attorney,” according to a statement posted on social media.
According to the department, which was receiving assistance from spcaLA, the Pasadena Humane Society and Kern County Animal Servcies, more than 70 animal care and control staff descended on the property.
“Also present for other violations are representatives from the Los Angeles County departments of Public Works, Public Health and Regional Planning.
According to the Department of Animal Care & Control, this represents the largest number of cats and dogs it has ever seized, and could well be the most ever seized in the U.S.
The animals — about 400 dogs and 300 cats — were being triaged, with those needing immediate care being sent to veterinary hospitals, while the others will go to department shelters.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement Friday on the rescue effort.
“This is a heartbreaking situation. I want to recognize the dedicated personnel from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, along with our partner agencies, who are working tirelessly today under extreme heat and challenging conditions to carry out a massive rescue operation in Lake Hughes,” Barger said.
“Animals in urgent need of medical attention are being transported to veterinary hospitals for immediate care, while others are being safely relocated to Los Angeles County animal care centers and partner facilities, including sites in Kern County. Every step is being taken to ensure these animals receive the compassion and treatment they deserve.”
Barger added that a court order will be required before the animals can be made available for adoption, and said county officials are working with the judicial system to move the process forward as quickly as possible.
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