November 16, 2025 – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that following last weeks specialized training provided by the LA County DA office, LA Animal Services, Central GIT, and Department Animal Cruelty SMEs, over 60 officers at Central have been certified to conduct preliminary investigations into allegations of animal neglect and cruelty.

During the first week of actual field operations, officers assigned to the OCB Animal Cruelty TF and LA Animal Services have already made amazing strides working with Skid Row pet owners and investigating animal abuse and neglect, mostly focused on problem areas identified by our BID partners and existing Animal Services complaints.

On November 13, 2025, an unlawful puppy mill was discovered in a homeless encampment during an OCB Heavy Metal Task Force field enforcement operation and Animal Cruelty TF quickly took action.

14 badly emaciated and sickly dogs and puppies were removed from the scene, booked as evidence, and will be medically treated. The animal’s owner, the subject of a felony warrant, was arrested and will be also charged with animal abuse and neglect charges after evaluation by an LAAS veterinarian.

The suspect was selling the puppies for $100 without a breeding permit which exacerbates the animal shelter population crisis.

Source & photos: Los Angeles Police Department