More than 200 cats, dogs seized from Antelope Valley rescue where six dead animals were found
Los Angeles County personnel seized nearly 200 cats and dozens of dogs and found several dead animals during a search of a rescue facility in the Antelope Valley last week, authorities said Monday.
The search warrant was served Oct. 26 after multiple complaints were filed against the facility, which allegedly exceeded animal limits and did not provide medical care for animals, failing to comply with state and county laws, L.A. County Animal Care and Control said in a release.
The animal care agency declined to identify the facility by name but said it is in Littlerock, a community just east of Palmdale, and operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
It was permitted to handle 115 cats and an unknown number of dogs, animal care officials said.
Investigators found 195 cats, 43 dogs and six dead animals at the facility.
“Providing safe and humane care to animals is required by local and state law,” said Marcia Mayeda, director of Animal Care and Control. “Our department stands committed to protecting animals and ensuring they receive the care they need.”
Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith stepped down before a jury reached a verdict in the civil corruption trial that could have led to her removal from office.
The search involved 25 Animal Care and Control personnel, including animal cruelty investigators and a forensic veterinarian.
Animal care officials alleged that the operators attempted to avoid random inspections and improperly used medications for animal care.
“Findings in the facility included animals in inhumane living conditions and evidence of the practice of medical care without a veterinary license,” the agency said.
The confiscated animals were distributed to seven L.A. County care centers and are undergoing evaluation and treatment. They will not immediately be made available for adoption.
Investigative reports are being prepared for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, Animal Care and Control said.
The person in charge of the facility, who was not identified, could face four counts of felony animal cruelty, officials said.
“Animal rescue organizations are responsible for providing the basic needs for housing, nutrition, and health of all animals in their care,” the agency said. “The quality of life of the animals must be a priority.”
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