Los Angeles animal control officials seized an estimated 700 cats and dogs from a Lake Hughes property on Friday — in what could be the largest animal rescue operation in US history.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said that roughly 400 dogs and 300 cats were saved.
The animals were taken after a search warrant was issued for violation of animal welfare laws. The felines and canines were in the custody of Christine De’Anda of Rock N Pawz Animal Rescue, and it’s unclear what condition they were in.
At least some required medical care, the DACC said.
“The animals are currently being triaged on site by veterinary and medical staff. Those animals requiring emergency medical care will be immediately transported to veterinary hospitals. The others will be transported to DACC animal care centers for further evaluation and care,” officials said in a press release.
The massive operation required more than 70 members of the DACC to assist.
The DACC said it was the “largest number of dogs and cats” they had ever seized and believed it was the largest of its kind in the country.
The massive influx of animals will put a “strain” on DACC resources, they said, and they’re opening animal care centers this Sunday to accommodate.
DACC is working with outside animal groups to transfer adoptable dogs and cats to accommodate the rescued animals.
It’s not clear if De’Anda is being charged. Rock N Pawz says on its website that it prides itself “on being one of the most compassionate pet adoption organizations in Southern California.”
The Post reached out to the DACC, but they declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
The LA County District Attorney’s office said they had no information.
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