Photo credit: Pasadena Humane Society

Early Sunday morning, a massive animal rescue unfolded in Lake Hughes, California, as the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) executed a search warrant on a property for alleged animal welfare violations.

An estimated 700 dogs and cats are being rescued from the property, potentially marking this the largest animal seizure in U.S. history. Investigators from the Office of the District Attorney helped carry out the raid.

More than 70 DACC staff members are on the ground, supported by spcaLA, Pasadena Humane, and Kern County Animal Services. Officials from Los Angeles County Public Works, Public Health, and Regional Planning are also on scene, investigating additional potential violations.

“Our team is currently on the ground assisting the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control in a large-scale rescue effort, where an estimated 700 dogs and cats have been reported on a single property in the Lake Hughes area of the Antelope Valley,” Pasadena Humane Society said in a statement.

“We’re working alongside DACC and partner agencies with a shared focus on getting these animals to safety and providing them with the care they need. As this ongoing effort unfolds, we are prepared to provide support in whatever way best serves the animals involved.”

Veterinary staff are triaging the animals on-site. Those needing urgent medical attention are being transported immediately to veterinary hospitals, while the rest will be moved to DACC animal care centers for further evaluation and treatment. The animals had been in the care of Christine De Anda of Rock N Pawz animal rescue.

DACC has extensive experience with large-scale rescues. In 2006, the department rescued more than 350 Chihuahuas from a hoarding situation. In 2017, it removed over 100 venomous snakes and reptiles and more than 7,000 birds during the largest illegal cockfighting raid in U.S. history. The department has also evacuated up to 1,000 animals, mainly horses and farm animals, during wildfire emergencies.

Even with that experience, rescuing 400 dogs and 300 cats will put a strain on DACC’s resources and housing capacity. The department is working with Adoption Partner rescue groups and other animal welfare agencies to transfer currently adoptable animals and make room for the rescued pets.

While DACC animal care centers are usually closed on Sundays, they will open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 22 to help place animals in new homes.

“We are urgently requesting the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats,” said DACC Director Marcia Mayeda.

“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.”