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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026
Contact: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control
Partners with West Coast Grooming Academy and Homeboy Industries
to Provide Vital Grooming Services for 250 Rescued Dogs
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is pleased to announce that Homeboy Industries’ Puppy Fades grooming program and West Coast Grooming Academy will provide essential grooming services for the 250 dogs recently rescued by DACC from the Lake Hughes property where the animals were living in extremely unsanitary conditions. In addition to the dogs, 66 cats, 2 goats, 1 pig, and 1 parrot were also rescued. Many of the animals are receiving medical treatment for various injuries, illnesses, and malnutrition.
“What these animals endured is heartbreaking and the County of Los Angeles will not tolerate neglect of this magnitude,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I truly appreciate our partner organizations and every volunteer who has stepped up to provide these animals with the compassionate care they deserve.”
West Coast Grooming Academy and Puppy Fades have been providing regular grooming services at several DACC animal care centers (ACCs) in recent years. However, the tremendous need for grooming the rescued animals has increased the need for their services, and they have expanded their hours to ensure these dogs get the critical care they need.
"The rescue operation at Lake Hughes sheds a devastating truth on how many animals undergo neglect in similar conditions," said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. "The actions taken by DACC and our partners demonstrate how essential collaboration and coordination across local government, law enforcement, and community partners can make a difference in the lives of the animals we care for."
Matting in neglected animals can lead to painful restrictions in movement and can cause fecal buildup, leading to skin irritation, open sores, and urine scald. Grooming these animals is crucial to preventing skin infections and improving their overall comfort and mental/physical health.
“We are incredibly grateful for the services from Homeboy Industries’ Puppy Fades and West Coast Grooming Academy,” said DACC Director Marcia Mayeda. “We are committed to ensuring the well-being of the animals in our care, especially those who have endured neglect and unsanitary conditions. The grooming efforts provided by Homeboy Industries’ Puppy Fades and West Coast Grooming Academy are vital in restoring the health and comfort of these dogs.”
These grooming services are made possible through donations to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation’s Grooming Gives Hope (GGH) program. The GGH program provides funding to help dogs that require professional grooming receive the care that they need. People wishing to contribute to this effort can donate at https://lacountyanimals.org.
This initiative is taking place from March 23, 2026, to April 3, 2026. West Coast Grooming Academy will be at the Downey and Lancaster ACCs to provide grooming services. Puppy Fades will be at the Carson/Gardena and Downey ACCs. All groomers at Puppy Fades are certified through West Coast Grooming Academy.
About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)
DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.
About the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation supports the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control through fundraising which supports spay and neuter programs, pet adoptions, public education, disaster response, and animal welfare. Many of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have enabled the department to enhance the care given to animals in the County animal care centers. To learn more, visit https://lacountyanimals.org.
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