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Writer's picturevoiceforus
Apr 62 min read

DAMIAN WESLEY, owner of Compton Animal Rescue, facing 25 counts of cruelty to an animal by neglect

- California, USA -

 

On Friday, April 5, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced animal cruelty charges against 31-years-old DAMIAN WESLEY (pictured), owner of the nonprofit organization Compton Animal Rescue.

 

In a press release, DA Gascón recounted that on January 3, 2024, LA County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) executed search warrants at two locations in the city of Compton. Both locations were tied to WESLEY and Compton Animal Rescue.

 

A month later, in February 2024, DACC explained in a press release that they “obtained the warrants, based on multiple complaints of neglect and mistreatment from members of the community about this organization. After investigating, warrants were issued due to the animal rescue organization’s noncompliance with State and County animal care laws.”

 

The search led to the discovery of approximately one hundred and forty-five (145) live animals, primarily dogs, but also including cats, chickens, hamsters, a hawk, a horse, lizards, pigs, rabbits, a rooster, snakes, tortoises, and turtles.

Sadly, officials also discovered twelve (12) animal carcasses.

 

According to DA Gascón, “The vast majority of animals were found to be severely underweight and suffering from various illnesses.” DA Gascón also said that WESLEY “is alleged to have seen the condition of 25 distressed animals and had time to act, but did not.”

 

DACC said that all the rescued Voiceless Victims “were distributed among DACC’s animal care centers where they underwent medical evaluation and treatment .”

Many of the rescued animals had to be euthanized due to their grave health conditions.

 

WESLEY is now facing twenty-five (25) felony counts of cruelty to an animal by neglect.

 

On March 26, 2024, WESLEY was ordered by the Los Angeles Superior Court to not “own” or “possess” any animals. Additionally, proof of relinquishment of all animals is ordered to be shown at his arraignment on April 17, 2024 at the Compton Courthouse.

 

In a statement, DA Gascón said: “I am deeply saddened by the alleged animal cruelty committed by Mr. Wesley. 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.”

 

# # #

 

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official press releases. Links included.

Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

 

 

WESLEY’s photo shared from Compton Animal Rescue’s website.

 

Pictures shared from DACC.




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Writer's picturevoiceforus
Apr 42 min read

JORGE AYALA wanted by Turlock Police as suspect in a dogfighting case where 73 dogs were rescued

Updated: Apr 6

- California, USA -

 

~ Update: April 6, 2024

 

I have heard back from the Turlock Police Department and I was told that “ There were no deceased animals found at the residence at the time of the search warrant. There was one emaciated puppy that has unfortunately passed away since being taken to Animal Services. None of the rescued dogs have been euthanized.”

 

I took the liberty of naming the deceased puppy Blossom for the tribute image.

 

~ Original story:


The Turlock Police Department needs the public’s assistance to locate 46-years-old JORGE AYALA (pictured).

 

Police said in a media release that AYALA is the suspect of an investigation that led to the rescue of seventy-three (73) INNOCENT dogs, all Pitbull mixes.

 

The investigation began in early March 2024, after Turlock Animal Services became suspicious of three homes in the 400 block of S. First Street in Turlock when officers saw ten dogs tethered outside. (In the state of California, it is illegal to tie your dog to any stationary object for more than a 3-hour period within 24 hours.)

 

After further investigation and surveillance of the homes, on March 28, 2024, a search warrant was served at the three residences “for an alleged animal cruelty investigation and possible dogfighting”, stated the release.

 

Along with patrol and Animal Services, Turlock Police Department Detectives and the Special Investigations Unit (S.I.U.) found and rescued a total of seventy-three (73) dogs from the three properties. Police said the living conditions the Voiceless Victims were living in were “deplorable and inhumane.” Some of the dogs were pregnant and close to giving birth.

 

The innocent souls were stuffed in small crates that could only house one small dog and did not have any access to water or food. Each crate was stacked on top of each other.

 

All of the furvictims were seized as evidence and taken to the shelter where they have been evaluated by a veterinarian and treated for any injuries or diseases.

 

Police said that due to the high number of dogs at the shelter and limited space, Turlock Police Animal Services will not be accepting owner surrenders until further notice. Additionally, Animal Services are asking for the community’s assistance in adopting ten dogs who are not part of the investigation. All fees will be waived. 

 

As for AYALA, police said his whereabouts are currently unknown. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ulrich at (209) - 668 - 6570 or the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) - 668 - 5550 extension 6780.  Alternatively, you can email your tip. Thank you!

 

# # #


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Turlock Police Department. Link included.

Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

 




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Writer's picturevoiceforus
Jan 132 min read

NATASHA AMBER SERRANO arrested for stabbing a dog

- California, USA -

 

On the morning of Sunday 7, 2024, officers with the Banning Police Department responded to the 700 block of W. Gilman Street, in the City of Banning, after receiving a report that a dog had been stabbed.

 

According to the Department’s press release obtained by Voice For Us, the suspect who stabbed the dog fled the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.

 

Police identified the suspect as 34-years-old NATASHA AMBER SERRANO.

 

Witnesses told police that SERRANO stabbed the family dog and then fled the scene in her vehicle.

 

The dog was immediately taken to a local veterinary hospital for medical treatment.

I emailed the Banning Police Department to inquire about the Voiceless Victim and I was told that the dog is a female English Bulldog named Bubbles. I was further told that Bubbles is “recovering at a local Animal Hospital in the region and that Bubbles was being well cared for and was doing well.”

 

Police then issued a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) on SERRANO for felony animal cruelty charges, to local law enforcement agencies.

 

Less than two hours later, Banning Police Dispatch was contacted by Ontario Police

Department, advising they had SERRANO detained. Banning Police responded and took custody of her.  

 

SERRANO was later booked into Larry Smith Correctional Facility for felony animal cruelty charges.

 

Police tell me this case is still under investigation and they are unable to provide very much information at this time.

 

The Department is asking anyone who may have additional information regarding this incident to call (951) - 922 - 3170. Thank you!

 

Disclaimer: This story is sourced from an official press released provided to Voice For Us by the Banning Police Department.

 





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