Animal Shelters Are Looking for Happy Homes After LA County Rescues Over 300 Pets
Large-Scale Animal Rescue Operation Underway in Lake Hughes
In a significant operation, over 300 animals were rescued from a property in Lake Hughes, marking one of the largest animal rescue efforts by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. The operation involved the removal of 232 dogs, 66 cats, one rabbit, a goose, a parrot, two goats, and a pig, with authorities noting that the animals appeared to be neglected.
The Best Friends Los Angeles Adoption Center is among the various organizations mobilizing to assist in accommodating the rescued animals. They are appealing to the community for foster or adoption support to help create space in local shelters.
“These kinds of things happen periodically, and we just jump into action when we hear of an emergency like that,” said Elizabeth Oreck, senior manager of community programs with Best Friends Los Angeles.
On Friday, a search warrant was executed at the Lake Hughes property due to suspected violations of animal welfare laws. The property owner, who operates a nonprofit animal rescue organization, reportedly took in more animals than could be adequately cared for. Many of the animals were found in crates, with some lacking sufficient water.
While a woman living on the property asserted that she was caring for the animals and claimed they were healthy, officials expressed concern over unsanitary conditions. Following the rescue, the animals were transported to veterinary hospitals and animal care centers for evaluation and treatment.
“We’re trying to help them make space,” Oreck remarked, highlighting the urgent need for community support in fostering or adopting pets to relieve overcrowded kennels.
In a related effort, another adoption event took place at Tailwaggers in Hollywood featuring animals from LA Animal Services. Ethel Pollack, a volunteer, explained the importance of these events: “Not everyone loves to visit the shelter, so we bring them out into the community to see them in different environments.”
Rescue organizations emphasize the collaborative community response to address the needs of the rescued animals. “We work together with all of the shelter partners and rescue partners in the community and do what we can,” Oreck added. “What we hope is the public will step up and foster or adopt any of these amazing animals.”
To facilitate this effort, Best Friends Los Angeles and LA County Animal Care Centers have extended their hours, both opening on Sunday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., respectively, to accommodate the influx of rescued animals.
