This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
More Than A Thousand Dead Animals Found In 'Appalling' Conditions In Montclair Warehouse
Inside the warehouse. (Photo courtesy of the Inland Valley Humane Society)
Police found on Friday morning nearly 2,000 animals kept "in appalling conditions" at a Montclair warehouse, the Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS) said in a Facebook post. According to KTLA, more than 1,000 of those animals were dead.
The discovery was made after authorities served an arrest warrant at the property in the 4600 block of Arrow Highway, according to ABC 7. The IVHS said that the suspect had been detained earlier in the week, but the discovery of the animals didn't happen until Friday. A team consisting of the IVHS, the Montclair Police Department, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were called in after noises were heard coming from the industrial complex. The IVHS describe the scene they encountered upon entering:
Between 1,000 and 2,000 chicks and chickens as well as 100 exotic birds were being kept in appalling conditions. There was little ventilation provided. Rescue Officers could not find any food or water for the birds. The warehouse was covered in feces and filled with trash.
The animals discovered included chickens, parakeets, lovebirds, and dozens of exotic fish. ABC7 said that snakes were found as well.
Reporter Beatriz Valenzuela shot a video of the removal process at the scene:
Business owners at the park at 4650 Arrow Hwy say the Human Society was here earlier in the week. pic.twitter.com/U2Un7a37Ak
— Beatriz La Bruja 🎃 (@BeatrizVNews) August 4, 2017
Valenzuela also reports that the final count of animals may climb:
Sponsored message
Humane Society of Fishel say the actual number of animals seized in Montclair could reach as high as 3,000.
— Beatriz La Bruja 🎃 (@BeatrizVNews) August 4, 2017
The IVHS said that they've taken in some of the birds that were found alive, and that their availability for adoption is pending an investigation.
The suspect now faces felony animal cruelty charges.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
