Over 100 Animals Taken Into Protective Custody

Los
Angeles: A mental patient’s pets were rescued from a home in
the San Fernando Valley.

On July 31, 2007, concerned friends of a West Valley woman notified
the Los Angeles Police Department regarding her threats to kill
herself. West Valley Area officers responded to the residence in
the 19300 block of Welby Way in an effort to check on the woman’s
welfare. When there was no answer at the door, the officers,
fearing that someone had been harmed, entered the residence. The
officers were unable to locate the woman, but discovered cats,
reptiles, a dog, and numerous exotic birds living in deplorable
conditions.

Animal Cruelty Task Force detectives responded and rescued the
endangered animals. While the animals were being taken into
protective custody, the woman came home. The officers, suspecting
that mental illness was a factor, detained the woman for a 72-hour
mental evaluation hold.

A total of 108 animals were taken into protective custody. Anyone
interested in fostering animals please go to www.laanimalservices.com for more information.

Reports of animal cruelty can be reported to the Animal Cruelty
Task Force at 213-847-1417.
On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number
at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).