Owner of Rescue Organization Charged with Animal Cruelty After Authorities Find 12 Animal Carcasses

Damian Wesley of Compton Animal Rescue allegedly observed the conditions and had time to act, but did not, authorities said

The owner of a non-profit organization for animals could soon face jail time for animal cruelty.

On Friday, April 5, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges against Damian Wesley, who owns Compton Animal Rescue, for animal cruelty and neglect of more than two dozen dogs, per a press release.

PEOPLE reached out to Compton Animal Rescue for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

According to the press release, “approximately 145 live animals and 12 animal carcasses were recovered” from two locations in Compton on Jan. 3, with each location being tied to Wesley, 31, and Compton Animal Rescue.

Authorities made the discoveries after search warrants were obtained and executed by the L.A. County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC).

The vast majority of animals were found to be severely underweight and suffering from various illnesses. Wesley is alleged to have seen the condition of 25 distressed animals and had time to act, but did not, the district attorney’s office said.

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“I am deeply saddened by the alleged animal cruelty committed by Mr. Wesley,” Gascón said. “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. Our Office’s Animal Cruelty Section will work vigorously to seek justice in this matter.”

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

According to Wesley’s non-profit website, Compton Animal Rescue is “driven to do our part in making the community of Compton a safe community for both animals and residents.”

“We rescue animals every single day, along with providing awareness to the community about a variety of species and the services available in the area for them.”

Related: Dog Who Lost Her 'Limbs, Ears, Tail, and Toes' to Animal Cruelty Cares for Foster Puppies as She Heals

In a Feb. 12 statement, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) said "143 live animals, primarily dogs, but also including cats, chickens, a rooster, tortoise, turtles, pigs, snakes, a horse, hamster, rabbits, a hawk, and lizards" were confiscated from “an illegal animal facility called Compton Animal Rescue in Compton" when three search warrants were served on Jan. 3.

Due to the conditions, some of the animals had to be euthanized. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and DACC cleared over 100 animals from the evidence hold so they could be adopted and rescued by the public once "evaluated for suitability," according to the statement.

On March 26, Wesley was ordered by the Los Angeles Superior Court to not own or possess any animals. A proof of relinquishment of all animals is ordered to be shown at his arraignment on April 17, the district attorney’s April 5 press release said.

If convicted as charged, Wesley will face a maximum sentence of 11 years in county jail.

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