LA shelter dogs flown to Chicago after massive animal rescue to get star-studded Windy City welcome

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More than 100 Los Angeles-area shelter dogs impacted by one of the largest animal rescues in US history are heading to Chicago — with pet-lover and TV personality Giuliana Rancic there to greet them when they land.

Rancic got involved after more than 300 dogs and cats were seized from a home in Lake Hughes last week, leading several facilities around the county to take the animals in.

The nonprofit group Wings of Rescue stepped in an organized their flight to Chicago, creating “immediate space so these confiscated pets can be cared for without losing innocent lives.”

Video from the organization — for which Rancic is a longtime supporter — showed the dogs being loaded onto a plane.

Giuliana Rancic volunteers during the rescue of 190 pets flying from shelters to new homes on the Wings of Rescue Freedom Flight on January 9 in Los Angeles. WireImage

Wings of Rescue said some dogs risked being euthanized if space wasn’t freed up in the LA shelter system.

Rancic, a restauranteur and former E! News anchor, planned to meet the furry friends at a private Chicago airport on Tuesday afternoon. Her team told the California Post that the flight was an “incredible mission” that was “close” to her heart.

She also warned that animals faced being euthenized if accommodations could not be made.

“The shelters began issuing alerts for dogs at risk of euthanasia, with a strict 72-hour deadline because of limited space,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

The animals seized in the rescue operation need to be held as evidence in LA’s shelter system as the legal process involving the animals’ accused hoarder plays out. That process could take months, according to LA County Animal Care & Control.

Animals found at the home of the alleged animal hoarder were filthy, needed medical care, and were living in overcrowded conditions, LA animal control officials told The Post. Jonathan Alcorn For CA Post
The Downey Animal Care center where some of the dogs and cats recovered during a raid in Lake Hughes. Jonathan Alcorn For CA Post

Animals found at the home of Christine De Anda were found filthy, in need of medical care, and living in overcrowded conditions, animal control officials told The Post.

De Anda, of Rock ‘N Pawz Animal Rescue, has disputed the animals weren’t cared for properly and has vowed to fight for their return.


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