[Animal Control] – The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control’s Lancaster Animal Care Center staff have recently seen an increase in animal cruelty cases in the North County. While it is quite unusual to see consecutive accounts of animal cruelty, DACC staff has responded to four different cases within the past month.

The most recent occurrence happened last week on Oct. 29 when DACC accompanied the City of Lancaster’s Code Enforcement team to confiscate 34 cats and 10 dogs from unsanitary conditions on a property in the City of Lancaster. The owner eventually relinquished the animals to the Department.

Almost a week previous, on October 23, DACC issued a warrant to seize 38 horses and 3 dogs from a property in Acton.  The animals on the property had no access to food, water, and residing in unsanitary conditions. With help from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Emergency Response Team volunteers, DACC confiscated all of the animals, while the owner faces animal cruelty charges and the case is pending investigation. “Removing the horses from the property was an all-day effort, and our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure every horse was removed from the property. Once they arrived in our care, they were fed, given fresh water, and medical attention,” said DACC director, Marcia Mayeda.

Earlier in October, DACC assisted the Sheriff’s Department in unincorporated Palmdale, where four dogs were seized and the owner pleaded guilty to numerous counts of dog fighting and animal cruelty charges. DACC would like to remind the public about the Dog Fighting Tip Line that’s made available by the County of Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, (877) NO2FITE. “It is important to understand that weapons, drugs, gambling, and alcohol abuse are often closely connected with dog fighting, so it is crucial for the public to use the tip line to report such activity.” Mayeda said.

Three days prior to the dog fighting incident, DACC responded to numerous complaints from neighbors in unincorporated Littlerock, confiscating 129 cats and 15 dogs living in filthy and unsanitary conditions.  This case is currently pending investigation and is being prepared for the County of Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.

“We are committed to ensuring public safety in Los Angeles County. Our staff is currently undergoing intensive trainings to ensure we are preparing the most comprehensive cases for the District Attorney’s office to review for prosecution. Our animal control officers are the voice for the animals, so each animal rescued from cruel and inhumane circumstances is a victory,” Mayeda said.

In height of the recent activities involving animal cruelty, DACC urges the public to contact their local animal control agency if animal cruelty is suspected. For life threatening emergencies to animals, call 9-1-1.