Chicago animal shelter to help overcrowded LA agencies after rescue operation

Los Angeles County animal shelters received some out-of-state assistance Monday as they face a space crisis following last week’s large-scale animal rescue operation in Lake Hughes.

Thirty-two dogs are scheduled to be transferred from LA shelters to PAWS Chicago Tuesday, providing some relief to the sudden overcrowding following the animal seizure.

Hundreds of animals were rescued last Friday after authorities served a warrant for a violation of animal welfare laws at a property about 65 miles north of LA.

The dogs that will be taken to Chicago were already in shelters before the animal seizure. Their transfer will make room for animals that have to be held due to a required court process.

“These efforts create lifesaving space for animals at risk, give more pets a second chance and often spark a ripple effect that leads to more adoptions of Chicago’s own homeless pets,” said Paula Fasseas, founder and chair of PAWS Chicago.

Paws for Life K9 Rescue is PAWS Chicago’s shelter partner in LA and will help with the transfer. The dogs will arrive at a Chicago-area airport and then be taken to PAWS’s medical center.

Local shelters have to hold the rescued animals because they will be used as evidence in the criminal proceeding, according to PAWS Chicago.

As of Monday, no arrests were made in connection with the alleged animal welfare violations. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said the property’s owner ran a nonprofit animal rescue organization and took in more animals than they could properly care for.

Some animals were taken to veterinary hospitals, while others were sent to department shelters.

The department initially said that about 400 dogs and 300 cats were on the property, but later changed that total to 300.

PAWS Chicago said the public can help by fostering a pet, making a donation or adopting an animal.