Dogs rescued in massive Lake Hughes operation receive emergency grooming care
LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- Dozens of dogs seized from a Lake Hughes property over a week ago are now being groomed and cared for as they begin the long path toward recovery and eventual adoption.
Hundreds of animals were removed from what county officials described as horrific conditions, including more than 250 dogs, dozens of cats, a pig, goats and a parrot. Now, they're getting a second chance at life.
Emergency grooming assistance is now being provided through Homeboy Industries' Puppy Fades program, along with the West Coast Grooming Academy.
"When I see the animals that come from hoarding situations like that, it really, truly breaks my heart," said Christopher Jackson, founder of the West Coast Grooming Academy.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger visited the county animal shelter in Lancaster to see the dogs getting pampered.
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"I'm up here taking a look at some of the dogs that we have up here, and getting to witness an incredible program where they're going to get groomed, and many of them have mats, feces in their fur, and it's just heartbreaking," she said.
The nonprofit West Coast Grooming Academy is providing what is described as a "spa day" for the rescued animals.
"We actually brought all the troops in to come and make sure to take care of all these dogs done and get the adopted out as fast as we could," Jackson said.
Some of the animals rescued in the operation remain under close medical supervision.
"Some of these animals were very ill, the dogs and the cats with emaciation, upper respiratory infections. We had a dog that had a leg amputated. So, they're getting all the care they need now. They're responding to our treatment and the feeding," said Marcia Mayeda, director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC).
County officials say it will be some time before any of the animals are ready for adoption.
SEE ALSO: Rescue targeted in Lake Hughes seizure of over 300 pets pushes back on claims from LA officials
The 316 total animals that were seized on March 20 were in the custody of Chris D'Anda of Rock N Pawz Animal Rescue.
D'Anda told Eyewitness News she rescues animals, and the dogs and cats at her home were not mistreated.
In posts on Instagram, Rock N Pawz Animal Rescue claimed it was receiving serious threats and that some dogs were injured by DACC during the raid.
"My animals were not a threat to anybody," she said. "They were healthy. They were cared for."
But nearby residents said there's been a foul odor coming from the property for a couple of years. They also said a lack of infrastructure had long been a problem.
The DACC said it has received complaints for years. It wasn't until recently that the department was able to obtain a warrant to go in and remove the animals.
