When disaster strikes, whether through a large-scale animal seizure or a fast-moving wildfire, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) works urgently to protect some of the most vulnerable victims: animals. DACC has developed a robust, coordinated approach to preparing for and managing sudden surges in animal intake during crises.

Protecting and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect is a critical responsibility of law enforcement and animal care welfare agencies, and sometimes animals must be seized by the authorities for the animals’ protection and care. Animals are considered property under the law and seizing them must comply with established legal requirements for the seizure of personal property. California law has several mechanisms to do this while acknowledging that animals as property do not fall under the same categories as non-living property.

In the animal welfare world, photos matter. A single image of a frightened dog in a kennel or a hopeful cat peering through a cage door can inspire someone to adopt, foster, or donate. For decades, photographs have helped tell the real stories of animals waiting for homes.

February is known for hearts, flowers, and celebrating love. But for animal shelters and rescue organizations, February also carries a deeper meaning: Spay and Neuter Month. This is a time to focus on one of the most powerful, compassionate actions we can take to save animal lives.

January is often seen as a fresh start — a clean page, a reset, a moment to look ahead with intention. In animal welfare, however, January also reminds us of something important: the calendar may change, but the responsibility to protect animals does not.

One of the most important duties of our department’s officers is protecting animals from animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect. Animal cruelty is more than an ethical concern — it is a serious crime under California law. The state’s animal protection statutes are among the strongest in the nation. Understanding what legally constitutes animal cruelty helps the public recognize abuse, prevent suffering, and act when animals are in danger.

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control (DACC) was recently honored to receive a coveted Top 10 Award from the Los Angeles County Quality & Productivity Commission (QPC) at their 38th Annual Productivity & Quality Awards ceremony on October 15, 2025. This prestigious award was for DACC’s outreach initiative, Vet@ThePark.

Every Thursday at the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center in Downey, Calif. the sound of clippers hums through the grooming room. At one station, a young man leans gently over a small terrier, murmuring softly as he brushes out the dog’s tangled fur. Not long ago, this same man was working to rebuild his life after incarceration. The terrier, once matted and frightened, is in the process of learning to trust people through receiving a pain-relieving and rejuvenating bath and haircut.

In last month’s blog I explained the similarities and differences between animal control officers and humane officers, and how their powers intertwine with police and sheriff deputies. Building on this information, let’s look at how the law allows us to help animals that are abused or neglected.

Enforcing laws protecting animals and people is a fundamental duty of animal control officers (ACOs) and humane officers (HOs). In most cases police and sheriff departments focus on more human-related crimes and defer the animal-related crimes to ACOs and HOs for resolution. Sometimes our officers are asked by residents, who are unaware of the scope of their powers, to perform enforcement actions that are either not legal or outside their authority. ACO and HO authority can differ from traditional law enforcement. Here is an explanation on how ACOs and HOs protect our animals and our communities.