Dogs seized from illegal kennel available for adoption

More than 70 dogs seized by Riverside County Animal Services at a site in Winchester are available for adoption or transfer to rescue organizations.

The dogs were seized after a warrant was served on a man who was living on land he didn’t own on Simpson Avenue west of Winchester Road, according to a County news release. The property had been used as a makeshift dog rescue without a kennel permit to have that many dogs.

According to Animal Control officials, the dogs were kept in single kennels, with some huddled together in pen-like structures. Some suffered from flystrike in their ears due to a fly infestation from a buildup of animal waste.

The animals were seized on Aug. 11. The suspect, identified as John Dunlap, was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and placed on a medical hold. Since then, the dogs have been cared for at the County’s San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus. About 50 of the dogs had chips but had to be re-registered. In the photo at left, animal control officer Ryan Long holds a female hound mix.

Animal Services had to euthanize five of the 76 dogs due to severe health conditions and/or aggressive traits. Many of the dogs still housed there are available for adoption at a cost of $20.

Although the dogs are at the county’s San Jacinto facility, the adoption process will occur at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. Visit this site for information.

“It upset us to see so many dogs in such poor living conditions in high temperatures,” Animal Services Director Julie Bank said. “They’re now ready to start their new lives in loving homes or receive advanced behavior training with our partners. We thank all the adopters and groups in helping us with these special dogs.”