Efforts in Progress to Help 700 Dogs and Cats at Lake Hughes
Large-Scale Animal Rescue Operation in Northern Los Angeles County
Authorities conducted a significant animal rescue operation Friday morning, serving a warrant for violations of animal welfare laws at a property in Lake Hughes, located approximately 65 miles north of Los Angeles. The operation focused on an estimated 700 dogs and cats found on the site, marking what the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) described as possibly the largest animal seizure in U.S. history.
The DACC, alongside mutual aid partners and various county departments, responded to the situation amid reports of additional potential violations. "This is the largest number of cats and dogs ever seized in an operation," the department stated in a news release.
Details about possible arrests related to this case have yet to be confirmed. Veterinary staff are currently examining the animals on-site, with those in need of emergency medical attention being transported to local veterinary hospitals. Others will be moved to animal care centers for further evaluation and treatment.
Marcia Mayeda, Director of DACC, highlighted the strains this operation may impose on existing resources and animal housing. "We are urgently requesting the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats," she said.
In light of the large influx of animals, the DACC is collaborating with rescue groups and animal welfare organizations to transfer animals that are ready for adoption, in order to make space for those recently rescued.
This incident follows similar large-scale rescues by the DACC, which include the 2006 seizure of over 350 Chihuahuas from an animal hoarder, a 2017 operation involving more than 100 venomous snakes and reptiles, and the rescue of over 7,000 birds in what was termed the largest illegal cockfighting raid in U.S. history.
