Dogs, 200 Cats in ‘Horrific’ Home Kennel

More than 200 cats and several dozen dogs--some dead, injured or sick--were removed from a home and kennel Monday after numerous complaints from neighbors about noise, odors and cruelty to animals.

At least one cat confined in a carrier with a heater blanket turned on was found dead in the tiny cramped house at 7029 Valjean Ave., said Peter Persic, spokesman for the city Department of Animal Services.

“The conditions are just horrific,” Persic said. “Can you imagine leaving an animal with a heater blanket on in this weather?”

Persic described the residence as “covered with feces and urine in every room. There was no appropriate food and water.”

He called the 800-square-foot house, in a light-industrial and residential area near the Van Nuys Airport, “not habitable for humans or animals.”

City officials said they are considering filing charges against Doris Romero, 58, the operator. Charges could include cruelty to animals, lack of proper care and failure to provide dog licenses, rabies vaccinations and a kennel permit.

Because of the magnitude of the job, 14 animal care and control officers were expected to work until late Monday to remove all of the animals to three city shelters--the East Valley, West Valley and north central areas.

Dena Mangiamele, chief veterinarian for city animal services, called the conditions in the home “pretty bad, not only because of the environmental conditions, but because of the condition of the animals, with disease, injuries and illnesses.”

Several people who claimed ownership of some of the cats and dogs protested to Mangiamele and other animal services officials as they worked at the house Monday. A woman who gave her name as Sharon Anderson said she lived at the house.

One woman who asked not to be identified said neighbors have complained for more than a year about the stench and the treatment of the animals.