Los Angeles county officials conducted what’s possibly the largest animal rescue operation in U.S. history, saving hundreds of cats and dogs.

“L.A. officials are reportedly removing an estimated 700 dogs and cats from a property in Antelope Valley. According to investigators, the animals were in the care of Christine De Anda of Rock N Pawz animal rescue,” Collin Rugg wrote.

“During the search, about 400 dogs and 300 cats were found. Dozens of LA County Department of Animal Care and Control staff members and mutual aid partners arrived at the scene and provided medical aid to the animals,” he added.

“This is the largest number of dogs and cats that DACC has ever seized and may be the largest case ever in the United States,” LACO Animals stated.

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KTLA shared further:

The department acknowledged the large-scale rescue will place a significant strain on shelter capacity and resources. Officials said they are working with adoption partners and rescue groups to transfer adoptable animals and make room for those being brought in.

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To help alleviate overcrowding, county animal care centers that are normally closed on Sundays will open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 22 to expand placement efforts.

“We are urgently requesting the public’s help to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs and cats,” said DACC Director Marcia Mayeda. “Please consider adopting an animal in need or making a donation to support their care.”

Officials are encouraging residents to visit local shelters or donate through the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation to assist with medical, nutritional and behavioral care for the rescued animals.

Due to the scale of the operation, officials warned that some services at animal care centers across the county may experience delays as staff are reassigned to assist with the rescue.

The LA District Attorney’s Office told the New York Post that the animals were taken after a search warrant was issued for an allegation of animal cruelty due to overcrowding.

Some of the animals reportedly required medical care.

More from the New York Post:

DACC is working with outside animal groups to transfer adoptable dogs and cats to accommodate the rescued animals.

It’s not clear if De’Anda is being charged. Rock N Pawz says on its website that it prides itself “on being one of the most compassionate pet adoption organizations in Southern California.”

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The Los Angeles District Attorney told The Post that no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made. The DACC is leading the ongoing investigation and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation is assisting, they said.

A DACC official told The Post that the animals are being considered as evidence in a potential case against De’Anda that has yet to be submitted to the LA District Attorney.

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