Approximately 250 dogs and 66 cats were being rescued from a property in the Lake Hughes area Friday, county animal control officials announced.
“These numbers remain preliminary as evaluations and documentation continue,” according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control. “While lower than initially anticipated, this is still a large-scale rescue effort requiring significant, ongoing care.”
The department initially announced that about 400 dogs and 300 cats were being triaged,
“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 statement said; “Hundreds of animals are now receiving medical evaluations, treatment, and daily care.
“This is an active investigation, and details remain limited. What we can share is this: our teams are working around the clock to ensure every animal receives the care they deserve.”
Personnel from the department 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 Services, 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.
The animals 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.”