On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) served three search warrants at an illegal animal facility called Compton Animal Rescue in Compton, CA, resulting in the confiscation of 143 live animals, primarily dogs, but also including cats, chickens, a rooster, tortoise, turtles, pigs, snakes, a horse, hamster, rabbits, a hawk, and lizards. Sadly, a number of these animals were irredeemably ill and suffering and had to be humanely euthanized. Additionally, 13 animals were found deceased on the Compton Animal Rescue premises.

DACC obtained the warrants, based on multiple complaints of neglect and mistreatment from members of the community about this organization. After investigating, warrants were issued due to the animal rescue organization’s noncompliance with State and County animal care laws.

DACC’s Major Case Unit (MCU) partnered with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation to serve the search warrants and rescue the animals. All animals seized were distributed among DACC’s animal care centers where they underwent medical evaluation and treatment while the investigative reports were prepared for the District Attorney.

While reports are still being finalized, the District Attorney and DACC have cleared over 100 animals for release from the evidence hold they were under for the previous month . Taking this step means that once evaluated for suitability for adoption, these animals will be publicly available for adoption and rescue. The release clears the way for the animals involved in this case to avoid a lengthy stay at care centers and instead embark on their new beginnings in homes and rescue facilities registered as partners with the Department.

“DACC will always act when the health and safety of animals is at risk,” said Marcia Mayeda, Director. “Now that these animals have received the care and treatment they desperately needed, we are hopeful they will be placed swiftly in the loving homes they deserve.”

People interested in adopting from DACC can visit animalcare.lacounty.gov and click on the “View Our Animals” page. For more information on the Compton Animal Rescue case animals, follow @lacoanimals on Instagram and Facebook.

Animal rescue organizations are responsible for providing the basic needs for housing, medical care, and nutrition to ensure the health of all animals in their care. The quality of life of the animals must be a priority. Los Angeles County residents are asked to report suspected cases of animal cruelty and neglect by calling DACC at (562) 940-6898.

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit www.animalcare.lacounty.gov  or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at www.lacountyanimals.org. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.