Animal lovers are being urged to step up this weekend and adopt some of the roughly 250 dogs and 66 cats rescued from a property in the Lake Hughes during an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty.
“We’re opening our doors this Sunday,” the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control noted on social media. “Although our Animal Care Centers are typically closed on Sundays, we will be open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 22 to help more animals find homes.
“Right now, all seven of our care centers are supporting a large-scale animal seizure — an effort that is placing significant demand on our staff, space, and resources. Creating space is critical so we can continue to provide care for animals coming into our system. Adoption is one of the most immediate and impactful ways you can help.”
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,” department officials 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.
Staffers from spcaLA, the Pasadena Humane Society, Kern County Animal Services and more than 70 animal care and control staffers descended on the property as the rescue effort began.
“Also present for other violations [were] representatives from the Los Angeles County departments of Public Works, Public Health and Regional Planning.
Animals needing immediate care were sent to veterinary hospitals, while the others were taken 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 … 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.”
More information about adopting the rescued cats and dogs is available at animalcare.lacounty.gov.
The department’s shelters are located at:
— Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Road; Email: agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, 4275 North Elton St.; Email: baldwinpark@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Carson/Gardena Animal Care Center, 216 West Victoria St.; Email: carson@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road; Email: castaic@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Downey Animal Care Center, 11258 South Garfield Ave.; Email: downeyctaip@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 West Ave. I; Email: acclancaster@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Highway; Emal: palmdale@animalcare.lacounty.gov