Tuesday at Pelona Vista Park in Palmdale turned ugly fast when visitors stumbled on 16 small dogs abandoned in the grass, filthy, badly matted, and coated in dirt and feces, according to county animal officials. Officers with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control rushed to the scene and removed the animals. The Palmdale shelter says the dogs have since been vaccinated and moved into foster homes while staff assesses their overall health. The shelter is urging anyone who knows where the dogs came from or who dumped them to contact its Palmdale center.
Shelter response and initial description
The county shelter called it “a call we couldn’t believe when it came in over the radio,” after officers were told that “multiple loose small dogs appeared left abandoned in the park,” according to KTLA. Shelter staff told the station the animals were in extremely dirty condition and that crews began medical triage as soon as they arrived.
Care and next steps for the dogs
Palmdale Animal Care Center says the dogs were vaccinated and placed into foster care while veterinarians and staff keep an eye on their recovery, per KTLA. The shelter listed [email protected] as the contact for both tips and rescue groups interested in stepping up to help.
Why the Palmdale case matters
The discovery comes as Los Angeles County agencies are already stretched by recent large-scale animal rescues. Earlier this month, officials recovered hundreds of dogs and cats from a Lake Hughes property, an operation that strained all seven county animal care centers and forced officials to lean on partner rescues, according to the Los Angeles Times. County animal officials say seizures like these can quickly overwhelm shelter capacity and ramp up the need for public support and rescue partners.
How to help
People who can foster, adopt, or donate are asked to contact the Palmdale Animal Care Center at 38550 Sierra Highway or email [email protected]. Supporters can also contribute to medical and behavioral rehabilitation through the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, the department has said.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or charges in connection with the abandonment as of the shelter’s statement. The Palmdale center is asking residents to keep an eye on their surroundings, check yards and vehicles, and contact the shelter if they have information that could help reunite the dogs with owners or identify who left them at the park.
