Case Details

Puppy mill - 74 cats and dogs seized
Los Angeles, CA (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Feb 26, 2003
County: Los Angeles
Local Map: available
Disposition: Not Charged

Person of Interest: Arturo Vega

Case ID: 7432
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull)
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Arturo Vega, 61, had 74 cats and dogs seized by Los Angeles animal control officers. Vega said he was trying to breed exotic felines and canines.

Vega failed to obtain proper city permits, including licenses to breed animals and operate a kennel. The animals were also kept in unsanitary conditions.

A dozen animal control inspectors and several veterinarians searched five locations in the 2800 block of West Pico Boulevard and found 47 cats and 27 dogs, including Rottweilers and German shepherds.

Approximately three dozen of the cats were found in Vega's roach-infested apartment.

Jackie David, spokesman for the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services said "We've been working with this individual for a year to clean up his act. He loves his animals, but he's in way over his head."

An individual can keep no more than three dogs and three cats under city law.

Vega described animal breeding as his hobby and said he was trying to develop cats with long white hair and blue eyes. He also has tried to breed dogs with red and orange bodies and black tails.

Vega said, "My dogs are not mistreated; my cats are not mistreated." He said 42 of his animals saw a veterinarian last weekend.

Some of his animals came from shelters and he bred the rest. It took officials three hours to remove the 74 dogs and cats. A strong odor permeated the neighborhood as the cats and dogs were removed from the apartment into at least 10 vehicles.

Vega's apartment was littered with animal feces and urine.

A decision on whether to files charges will be made by the city attorney. The animals were taken to the South Los Angeles Shelter for examination. When the case is resolved, the animals will be placed for adoption providing they are healthy and non aggressive.

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References

Los Angeles Times - Feb 27, 2003

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