Local

Authorities seize hundreds of cats in Inland Empire animal-welfare investigation

Animal-services officers removed hundreds of cats while serving search warrants at properties in Claremont and Upland.

Image credit: Andrea Booher / FEMA, public domain; archival 2011 shelter photo, not the Inland Empire investigation

The Los Angeles Times reported that authorities searched a home and two commercial properties on September 21 as part of an ongoing animal-welfare investigation. Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA chief executive Nikole Bresciani said officers seized 405 cats and recovered animal remains. Upland police said credible information indicated that many cats at two facilities were sick, malnourished or needed medical attention. The investigation remains ongoing, and the report did not announce criminal charges.

What it means locally

The Times reported that search warrants were served at properties in Claremont and Upland after weeks of investigative work. Upland police said they assisted animal-services officers at two facilities. Officials described the operation as an animal-welfare investigation; that description does not establish criminal liability.

The seized animals require sheltering and veterinary attention while the investigation continues. The accompanying photograph is a clearly labeled archival FEMA image of kittens at a North Dakota animal shelter in 2011 and does not show the California properties, animals or operation.

Full report and further details: Read original report →