Every pet owner hopes they will never experience the panic of a missing pet. Unfortunately, thousands of dogs and cats become lost every year. While collars and ID tags are important, they can be removed, break, or become unreadable. A microchip provides something far more reliable; it is a permanent form of identification that can reunite pets with their families when everything else fails.

An April 2026 horrific discovery at Miranda’s Rescue animal sanctuary in Humboldt County, California has generated great outrage and concern over the fate of hundreds of dogs taken in by that organization. Authorities have recovered the remains of 117 dogs from two mass burial pits, many showing evidence of gunshot wounds, and identified graves of other dogs. They discovered a place in the barn where it appears dogs were shot and killed. More than 730 other dogs admitted to that facility are unaccounted for

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.