14 puppies euthanized after “animal hoarding situation”

At least 14 puppies were euthanized last week after being brought from an “animal hoarding situation” at a Lake Los Angeles home, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

Four puppies were brought to an undisclosed home in Lake Los Angeles on Sept. 7 and tested positive for parvovirus disease, according to department spokeswoman Leah Cohen. The disease – commonly called “parvo” – is highly contagious and can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever, according to the American Veterinary Medical Assn.

The department’s medical team tried to save the animals with subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics and food, but they had to be euthanized due to their deteriorating condition.

Ten more puppies were brought in the next day and their parvovirus was so advanced “that there was no choice but to humanely euthanize them,” Cohen said.

The department located the Lake Los Angeles home and is working with Rescue Oasis, a local rescue group, to care for the property’s 24 remaining dogs.

The situation does not appear to be a breeding or cruelty case, but rather an “animal hoarding situation,” Cohen said. The owner will relinquish the majority of the remaining dogs to the rescue organization.

“We really want to encourage people to contact us quickly if they are having difficulty caring for their pets so we can avoid situations like this,” she said. “We have our Pets Are Family program, which gives people access to veterinary care and a pet pantry so we can avoid situations like this in the future.”