Dogs and cats seized in record-breaking animal rescue could be caged for months as accused hoarder claims innocence

Dozens of dogs and cats seized from a Lake Hughes home in potentially one of the largest animal rescue operations in US history turned up a Los Angeles area animal care center — but the cuddly pets could remain in limbo as their alleged hoarder fights for their return.

Furry friends of all sizes and breeds were visited by The Post on Saturday inside kennels at the Downey Animal Care Center, where they anxiously awaited adoption.

More than 300 dogs and cats were recovered from the home of Rock ‘N Pawz Animal Rescue Christine De Anda, who is accused of hoarding the animals in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Several required medical care when rescuers arrived on scene, officials said.

De Anda claimed the animals were “not emaciated or in bad shape” in an Instagram post she shared Saturday.

“The animals were cleaned every day, the animals were rotated out into yards every single day, every single dog is happy,” she told KTLA, adding that she’ll challenge the seizure in court. “They were healthy. They were cared for.”

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Marcia Mayeda, director of LA County Department of Animal Care and Control, disputed that claim to the The Post, saying the animals were kept in overcrowded conditions some of them were underfed.

And now the dogs and cats could be stuck in cages for “months” unable to be taken in by new owners as the legal process runs its course, Mayeda added.

Under California law, animals taken in cruelty cases are classified as evidence, meaning they cannot be adopted, transferred or permanently placed until a judge signs off.

Mayeda said the official count of the animals is 250 dogs and 66 cats. They are being spread out to different animal care centers across the county, including sites in Lancaster and Carson. Other animals rescued from the property included two goats, a pig, a goose and a parrot, Mayeda said.

She gushed about the rescued pets, saying most were friendly and none were aggressive. Some that have acted scared and reclusive, though Mayeda is not surprised given their care.

Most of animals at the Downey center viewed by The Post had space for themselves, excluding some smaller dogs, who had kennel-mates. Most of the animals smelled, which Mayeda said was due to their lack of bathing and unsanitary conditions. Bathing efforts were underway.

She noted that keeping the animals in kennels takes up space for others who could be adopted, and is drain on the department’s resources. Mayeda urged the public to donate to the department’s foundation to support them.

While De Anda has not been charged with any crime, Mayeda said authorities they are still gathering evidence for a case they will submit to the LA District Attorney’s Office. She anticipates an arrest warrant will then be issued.

DACC is calling on animal lovers to adopt, foster, support local shelters, and “reputable” rescues.

Mayeda says the rescued animals would make “very nice pets.”