Animal lovers across Los Angeles County are being urged to step up this weekend and adopt, as hundreds of dogs and cats rescued from an alleged animal cruelty case strain local shelter resources.
Roughly 250 dogs and 66 cats were removed from a property in Lake Hughes during a large-scale rescue operation tied to an ongoing investigation, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.
In response, the department announced it will open all seven of its animal care centers on Sunday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.—despite typically being closed that day—to help find homes for the animals.
“Right now, all seven of our care centers are supporting a large-scale animal seizure — an effort that is placing significant demand on our staff, space, and resources,” the department said in a statement. “Adoption is one of the most immediate and impactful ways you can help.”
Officials initially feared the situation involved as many as 400 dogs and 300 cats, but said the final number was lower. Still, the impact has been substantial, with hundreds of animals now undergoing medical evaluations, treatment, and daily care.
Authorities served a search warrant early Friday morning in the 46000 block of 226th Street West, launching a coordinated rescue effort involving more than 70 animal care personnel. Assistance also came from spcaLA, the Pasadena Humane Society, Kern County Animal Services, and several Los Angeles County agencies, including Public Works, Public Health and Regional Planning.
Animals in critical condition were transported to veterinary hospitals, while others were relocated to county shelters and partner facilities, including sites in Kern County.
“This is a heartbreaking situation,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I want to recognize the dedicated personnel … working tirelessly under extreme heat and challenging conditions to carry out this massive rescue.”
Barger noted that while adoption is being encouraged, a court order is still required before the animals can officially be released. County officials are working to expedite that process.
In the meantime, officials say creating space in shelters is critical as more animals continue to enter the system.
“This is an active investigation, and details remain limited,” the department said. “What we can share is this: our teams are working around the clock to ensure every animal receives the care they deserve.”
More information about adoption and shelter locations is available at animalcare.lacounty.gov.
The department’s shelters are located at:
— Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Road; Email: agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, 4275 North Elton St.; Email: baldwinpark@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Carson/Gardena Animal Care Center, 216 West Victoria St.; Email: carson@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road; Email: castaic@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Downey Animal Care Center, 11258 South Garfield Ave.; Email: downeyctaip@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 West Ave. I; Email: acclancaster@animalcare.lacounty.gov
— Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Highway; Email: palmdale@animalcare.lacounty.gov
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