LITTLEROCK — Nearly 240 cats and dogs, including six dead animals, were confiscated last week from an unnamed animal rescue center in Littlerock, the Los County Animal Care and Control Department said Monday. Angeles in a press release.
The department’s Major Cases Unit served a search warrant Oct. 26 at the facility. The warrant was issued due to the animal rescue organization’s failure to comply with state and county animal care laws, exceeding animal limitation requirements, and failure to provide medical care. appropriate for animals, authorities said.
The department sent a team of 25 responders, including animal cruelty investigators and a forensic veterinarian, to the facility. They found animals in inhumane living conditions and evidence of practicing medical care without a veterinary license, the statement said.
The department partnered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Partnership Office and the District Attorney’s Office for the investigation.
Authorities seized 195 cats and 43 dogs. All seized animals have been distributed among the department’s seven animal care centers, where they are being assessed and processed while investigation reports are prepared for the DA. The animals will not yet be made available for adoption.
“Providing safe and humane animal care is required by local and state law,” said department director Marcia Mayeda. “Our department is committed to protecting animals and ensuring they receive the care they need.”
Animal rescue organizations are responsible for meeting the basic housing, nutrition and health needs of all animals in their care, officials said.
“Animals’ quality of life must be a priority,” the statement said.
Authorities asked Los Angeles County residents to report suspected cases of animal neglect by calling the department at 310-523-9566.
Christ Yoder
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