The Nixon Fire, which erupted in Aguanga, California last week, brought forth a shocking discovery – a home teeming with animals in a state of severe neglect, deprived of food and water. Jaclyn Schart, the deputy director of operations for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, remarked, “I have been here a long time, and I have never seen a group of animals that included livestock, and dogs, and reptiles, and amphibians, and the small hamsters, and rodents. This is totally bizarre to us. There’s even some roaches.”
A deputy assisting with evacuations during the Nixon Fire noticed the property and alerted the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, officials stated. Animal services officers confiscated over 100 animals on Wednesday. Investigators determined that all the animals appeared undernourished and in dire need of medical attention. Within the barn, poultry ranging from chickens to ducks and turkeys were housed together, while goats occupied a separate stall. Two of the horses seemed emaciated, their hooves requiring urgent care. Several pigs were also underweight.
The animals are now residing at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Shelter. Schart shared that some of the animals were even transported in shoe boxes and plastic containers. “They were in no way housing for these animals, so even though our housing is not what we want it to be long-term, at least were able to get them into something clean,” she expressed. Due to a lack of space, some of the animals taken from the residence had to be relocated to another shelter. While investigators gather evidence for a potential cruelty case against the owner, shelter staff are quickly gaining knowledge about the unusual species under their care, like a baby savannah monitor lizard.
“I was able to gather what types of food, heat sources and what not, so I’m going to go shopping after this to make sure that we have everything that we need for these little guys,” shelter manager Maria Vogel commented. The shelter typically cares for dogs, cats and the occasional exotic pet, but several dogs seized from the home are not your ordinary canines. “The community has shared with us their concern that this person was breeding wolf-hybrid-type dogs or some version of such,” Schart mentioned. With the shelter overflowing with animals in critical need, they are appealing to the public for assistance through adoption, fostering, or volunteering at the shelter. They also require additional towels, blankets, and spare aquariums. “We’re just totally overwhelmed by this eclectic group in this menagerie,” Schart expressed. The animals at the shelter will not be available for adoption immediately as the legal process unfolds and rescue organizations are contacted. Once they are ready for adoption, they will be listed on the Riverside County Department of Animal Services website.
