Owner of Compton Animal Rescue charged with animal cruelty, neglect

A man who owns a nonprofit organization meant to help dogs in need and find them homes has been charged with 25 counts of animal abuse and neglect, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Damian Wesley, 31, was charged Friday, the D.A.’s Office said, months after search warrants were served at two properties related to Compton Animal Rescue, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.

During those searches, 145 live animals were accounted for, as well as 12 animals that were dead. The vast majority of the animals were “severely underweight and suffering from various illnesses,” the D.A.’s Office said, and many had to be euthanized due to their grave health conditions.

It’s further alleged that Wesley was aware of the condition of 25 distressed animals and had time to act but did nothing.

“I am deeply saddened by the alleged animal cruelty committed by Mr. Wesley,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a news release. “Our community relies on animal rescues to properly care for animals as they await their new homes. The suffering endured by these innocent animals is incomprehensible and will not be tolerated in our community.”

The D.A. added that his office’s animal cruelty division will “work vigorously to seek justice in this matter.”

Pit bull breeder mauled to death by his own dogs in Compton

The warrants were issued because the organization was not in compliance with State and County animal care laws, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC).

On Jan. 3, investigators searched two locations associated with the organization and removed dozens of animals, primarily dogs, from the properties. In addition to dogs, cats, chickens, a rooster, tortoise, turtles, pigs, snakes, a horse, hamster, rabbits, a hawk and multiple lizards were removed.

Surviving animals were distributed across DACC facilities and received treatment before being cleared for adoption.

“We are grateful to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in bringing this offender to justice,” said DACC Director Marcia Mayeda. “As animal lovers, we are always disturbed to discover these tragic cases. We remain vigilant in protecting animals from such abuse and neglect.”

In March, Wesley was ordered to relinquish any animals in his care and not own or possess any animals for the time being. Wesley is due in court on April 17 in Compton and is required to provide proof that he has complied with that order.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison.

DACC asks Los Angeles County residents to report suspected cases of animal cruelty and neglect by calling 562-940-6898.

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