(This story has been updated with additional information.)
Animal care officials seized more than 250 dogs and 66 cats from a Los Angeles County property in what officials described as the largest operation of its kind in county history.
More than 70 staff members from Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control officials descended Friday, March 20, on the facility in the 46000 block of 266th Street West, in the unincorporated Antelope Valley Community of Lake Hughes, according to the agency. The property was operated as “Rock N Paws Rescue.”
The search warrant was served due to “violation of animal welfare laws,” DACC officials said in a written statement.
“This is the largest number of dogs and cats that DACC has ever seized,” the statement said.
Officials initially estimated the facility contained more than 700 animals, but later downgraded the estimate.
“These numbers remain preliminary as evaluations and documentation continue,” DACC officials stated.
Representatives of Rock N Pawz Rescue could not immediately be reached for comment.
Authorities worked to evaluate the animals and determined which ones required immediate treatment at veterinary hospitals. All seven of the county’s animal shelters were involved in the effort to treat and house the rescued dogs and cats.
‘Urgently requesting the public’s help’
DACC officials have experience with large-scale animal seizures, including the rescue of 350 Chihuahuas from an animal hoarder in 2006, as well as the seizure of 100 venomous snakes and more than 7,000 roosters in 2017, representatives said.
“Nevertheless, the rescue… will put a strain on DACC resources and housing capacity,” according to the statement.
DACC Director Marcia Mayeda issued a public call to action.
“We are urgently requesting the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats,” she said. “Please come to one of our animal care centers to adopt an animal in need or make a donation to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at lacountyanimals.org.”
Although normally closed on Sundays, DACC animal care centers were planning to remain open on from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, “to expand the placement efforts,” the DACC statement said.
“While all locations remain open and operational, many of our staff and volunteers are actively assisting with this critical effort,” the agency added. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety and care of animals in need.”
DACC officials were aided in the massive endeavor with support from Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Pasadena Humane, Kern County Animal Services, Los Angeles County Departments of Public Works, Public Health and Regional Planning.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Over 300 dogs and cats seized in LA County’s largest-ever operation
Reporting by Brian Day, USA TODAY NETWORK / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
