On Friday, March 20, 2026, authorities in L.A. County executed a search warrant at a rural property in Lake Hughes, after receiving repeated complaints about animal welfare. What they found shocked officials and neighbors alike: more than 300 dogs and cats were living in overcrowded conditions conditions, as reported by ABC.
Led by the L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), the operation was able to rescue about 250 dogs and 66 cats, making it one of the largest dog and cat rescue cases in county history.
Due to the scale of the operation, resources at animal care centers were immediately stretched. This is why the County is now asking for direct public assistance.
How and where you can help
If you want to make a difference in this ongoing situation, there are several ways to help:
Adopt or foster
If you’re ready to expand your family, consider adopting. L.A. County shelters are updating their lists of animals available for adoption as pets complete necessary evaluations. Fostering is another huge help, giving pets a calmer environment while they wait for a forever home. Here are some of the main organizations you can contact:
- Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)
- spcaLA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles)
- Best Friends Pet Adoption Center
Donate supplies or money
Shelters and nonprofit partners are in urgent need of food, toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, and financial support to cover veterinary care and housing costs.
Volunteer
make a difference. Volunteers of all skill levels can assist with feeding, walking, grooming, socializing animals, and helping with administrative tasks. Most shelter volunteer programs require signing up in advance.
Spread the word
Even sharing accurate information and adoption listings on social media helps pets find homes faster.