700 cats, dogs being rescued after search warrant served at Lake Hughes property

LAKE HUGHES, Calif. (KABC) — A rescue operation was underway for hundreds of dogs and cats at a property in Lake Hughes Friday morning, and it could be the largest case of its kind in the U.S.

A search warrant for violation of animal welfare laws was served on 266th Street West around 7 a.m., the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) said in an Instagram post.

Officials estimate there are 400 dogs and 300 cats on the property. They were in the custody of Christine De Anda of Rock N Paws Animal Rescue.

“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.

More than 70 animal care and control staff were on scene for the rescue operation. Officials say it is the largest number of dogs and cats the DACC has ever seized, and it may be the largest case ever in the country.

The massive operation is expected to put a strain on resources and housing capacity at county shelters.

“DACC is working with adoption partner rescue groups and other animal welfare agencies to transfer currently adoptable dogs and cats so that there is enough room to admit the rescued animals,” the agency said.

Marcia Mayeda, director of the DACC, is requesting the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of the animals – either through adoption or donations to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation.

DACC animal care centers are not usually open to the public on Sundays. However, they will be open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 to expand placement efforts.