Dogs Flee Suspected Illegal Kennel

Dozens of dogs escaped Saturday from a home suspected of harboring an unlicensed kennel, roaming the streets as frightened residents called for help, authorities said.

Animal regulation officers impounded about 60 dogs near Burbank Boulevard and Ponce Avenue, including 30 to 40 animals found in the house, said Jackie David, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services.

The alleged owner of the dogs, identified as Ivan Callais, was charged last year with running a kennel without a permit and cruelty to animals, David said. Callais was not home at the time of Saturday’s incident, which began about noon.

Several residents called police to report packs of dogs roaming the street, said Lt. Tim Moss of the LAPD’s West Valley division. While some of the animals seemed aggressive, they did not bite anyone.

Animal regulation officers tried to issue a citation to two renters who lived at the property, a three-bedroom house in the 227000 block of Burbank Boulevard, but they refused to accept it, David said. The city plans to pursue misdemeanor charges against Callais for allegedly running a kennel without a permit and keeping unlicensed dogs, she said.

The dogs, including some collies, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, were taken to the West Valley Animal Shelter in Chatsworth, where they will be held as evidence. Some of the animals required medical treatment, David said.