Massive California animal rescue operation seizes over 300 dogs and cats

A large-scale animal rescue operation for hundreds of dogs and cats took place on Friday in Lake Hughes, roughly 60 miles north of Los Angeles. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control served a search warrant at a property on 266th Street West in Lake Hughes, following reports of a violation of animal welfare laws.

The operation involved over 70 people, and officials initially estimated that over 700 animals were located on the property in need of rescue, according to an Instagram post by DACC Friday. The post said the operation could be the largest of its kind to have taken place in the U.S., but in an update, that number was revised down to about 250 dogs and 66 cats. 

“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 updated post said Saturday morning, adding that the animals are being medically evaluated and cared for. 

The DACC post said the animals had been in the care of Christine De Anda of Rock ’N Pawz Rescue, though the rescue’s executive director goes by D’Anda on the rescue’s website. D’Anda has attempted to clear her name on Facebook amid what she said have been “serious threats” from the public.

In the post Saturday morning, D’Anda accused the DACC of injuring some of the animals during the rescue operation, and said the rescue continues to fully cooperate with authorities.

“We ask the public to act responsibly and allow the facts to come forward without harassment or threats,” D’Anda posted, along with a series of photos showing the animals being seized on the property.

D’Anda spoke to KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, disputing the DACC’s description of her property.

“The animals were cleaned every day, the animals were rotated out into yards every single day, every single dog is happy,” she told KTLA-5. “They were healthy. They were cared for.”

D’Anda said she plans to fight the seizure of the animals in court.

According to KTLA-TV’s reporting, the investigation stemmed from complaints from neighbors regarding “strong odors and frequent noise coming from the property.”

Following the rescue operation, the DACC is now asking for assistance in finding new homes for the animals.

“We are urgently requesting the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats,” LA County DACC Director Marcia Mayeda said in the department’s updated statement. “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 www.lacountyanimals.org.”