Puppy mill - 40 dogs seized - Pomona, CA

Thursday, Mar 5, 2009

County: Los Angeles

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Filberta Lopez

A Pomona woman faces animal cruelty charges after authorities discovered dozens of dogs living in inhumane conditions at her home.

Authorities said they rescued nearly 40 dogs from the home in the 700 block of Alcott Avenue Thursday after officers with the Inland Valley Humane Society responded to complaints that sick puppies were being bred and illegally sold from the home.

Investigators received a call from a man who purchased a puppy for $200 from 66 year old Filberta Lopez after responding to an ad in the Penny Saver, according to Humane investigator Beth Les. Les said the man told investigators he met Lopez in a gas station parking lot where he picked out and bought the dog.

The dog became sick a few days later and was determined to have Parvovirus, known as "parvo," which can lead to sudden death in puppies. The dog was eventually put to sleep, Les said. The man continued to call the same phone number he originally used to purchase the dog in the Penny Saver, but got no response. He then set up his own "sting operation" with a friend and was able to get Lopez' license plate and contacted authorities.

Officials said this is the second animal cruelty arrest for Lopez within two years, according to IVHS officials. In 2007, Lopez was convicted of cruelty to animals for similar offenses. At that time 60 dogs were confiscated by authorities. She was later convicted on animal cruelty charges because many of the animals were also sick.

Les said Filberta Lopez was considered an "angel" in her neighborhood because she rescued stray dogs. But, it turns out she is also accused of stealing her neighbor's dogs. Many of the confiscated animals still had their tags.

All of the animals rescued from the home are being treated at the Inland Valley Humane Society for various medical problems and will be put up for adoption.

References

• « CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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