700 Dogs And Cats Found At Lake Hughes Property Prompt Major Rescue Effort

LAKE HUGHES, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Authorities are in the midst of a massive animal rescue operation after approximately 700 dogs and cats were discovered on a property in Lake Hughes, according to a written statement from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC).

Officials said the operation began at 7:00 a.m. when DACC served a search warrant in the 46000 block of 266th Street West for violations of animal welfare laws.

“It is estimated there are 700 dogs and cats on the property that will be rescued,” the statement said. The warrant was served with support from investigators from the Office of the District Attorney.

More than 70 animal care and control staff are on scene, assisted by mutual aid partners including spcaLA, Pasadena Humane, and Kern County Animal Services. Representatives from Los Angeles County Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning are also assisting with other violations.

Officials described the case as unprecedented. “This is the largest number of dogs and cats that DACC has ever seized and may be the largest case ever in the United States,” the statement said.

According to the release, animals are being triaged on-site by veterinary medical staff. Those requiring emergency care are being transported to veterinary hospitals, while others will be taken to DACC animal care centers for further evaluation and care. The animals were reportedly in the custody of Christine De Anda of Rock N Pawz animal rescue.

DACC noted it has experience handling large-scale rescues, including more than 350 Chihuahuas in 2006, over 100 venomous snakes and reptiles in 2017, and more than 7,000 birds during a cockfighting raid the same year.

Officials acknowledged the strain the operation will place on resources. “Nevertheless, the rescue of 400 dogs and 300 cats will put a strain on DACC resources and housing capacity,” the statement said. The agency is working with adoption partners and rescue groups to transfer adoptable animals and make room for the incoming animals.

Animal care centers, which are typically closed on Sundays, will open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, to support placement efforts.

DACC Director Marcia Mayeda urged the public to help. “We are urgently requesting the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats,” she said. “Please come to one of our animal care centers to adopt an animal in need or make a donation to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at www.lacountyanimals.org to support the medical, nutritional, and behavioral rehabilitation of these and other animals in DACC’s care.”

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