January 23, 2008

LANCASTER, Ca. - Four-hundred neglected animals were found in what animal welfare workers are calling “deplorable conditions” at a Lancaster, Ca. ranch.

Ivan Callais, the man who allegedly owns the property, could not be located when Department of Animal Care and Control officials arrived at the scene over a week ago. Authorities are currently investigating Callais' whereabouts.

Since then, workers have unearthed a series of animal abuse violations, including poor shelter, lack of proper food and water and much more.

Reports from LA's CBS2 indicate that every animal at the ranch requires some medical attention. Most were taken to a nearby clinic called Animal Acres in Action. Other local groups have come forward to help house the rescues while new homes are found for them.

The animals include dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys and chickens. One animal welfare worker described the extent of neglect – (PRINT: stating the chickens had gotten into the dog cages, only to be eaten by the hungry canines. He went on to say that dozens of the dogs were pregnant and a wheelbarrow was located filled with dead canines.)

(PRINT:Small amounts of gasoline were found in what little water could be found – it is unclear if poisoning was intended. A lack of adequate shelter was evident – and in Lancaster, tempuratures in recent days have dipped below freezing.)

The DACC has allegedly known about the conditions at the ranch, and made six visits to the property over recent months. No word on why nothing was done until now.

For info on how you can help this situation or to adopt an animal, follow the links below. We're told that many of the rescues are adoptable once they've been given a clean bill of health. Others may have to be euthanized – many were found dead at the site.

www.gentlebarn.org/

www.awishforanimals.org/

Tell us what you think under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. E-mail us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.