EL DORADO COUNTY INVESTIGATES LOCAL ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE
County Animal Shelters Temporarily Close to Accommodate
Sudden Influx of Hundreds of Animals
UPDATED May 7, 2019 - (PLACERVILLE, CA) - El Dorado County Animal Services has removed approximately 300 animals from a local property after finding evidence of animal neglect and the operation of a non-licensed animal kennel on the property. The process of safely removing the animals from the property, located on the 4700 block of Lonesome Dove Drive in Shingle Springs, and relocating them to the El Dorado County Animal Services shelters in Diamond Springs and South Lake Tahoe took five days. As a result of the sudden influx of animals, the two shelters were closed May 3 and 4, 2019 and will be closed May 6, 7 AND 8, 2019. The case is now part of an active and ongoing criminal investigation.
"This is one of the largest animal removal operations that I'm aware of in El Dorado County," said Henry Brzezinski, Chief of El Dorado County Animal Services. The animals – which included more than 100 dogs and numerous cats, birds, horses, pigeons, ducks, roosters, hens, and goats – have been relocated to the El Dorado County Animal Services shelters in Diamond Springs and South Lake Tahoe and other locations where they will receive necessary care from Animal Services shelter veterinarian, staff and volunteers. In addition to the animals found living on the Shingle Springs property, another 22 dead animals were found in freezers at the location.
On May 2, 2019, El Dorado County Animal Services responded to assist the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office with an unlawful detainer/property eviction due to the large number of animals believed to be on the Shingle Springs property. Animal Services officers on the scene assessed the situation, and based on the conditions observed, determined that a non-licensed animal kennel existed in addition to animal neglect. A search warrant was obtained to remove the animals.
"We appreciate the understanding and patience of our community members during our temporary shelter closures and limited service while we care for these animals in need," said Brzezinski. "We also want to thank the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, our local animal welfare partners and shelter volunteers who have assisted with this operation."
Animal Services shelter staff will be limiting calls to emergencies over the next several days.
For more information about County animal services and shelters, please visit the El Dorado County Animal Services website at www.edcgov.us/animalservices.
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