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

LAKE HUGHES, Calif. — A rescue operation was underway for hundreds of dogs and cats at a property in Los Angeles County, California Friday morning.

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

Officials estimate there are some 700 dogs and cats on the property. They were in the custody of Christine De Anda of Rock N Paws Animal Rescue.

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“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.