Stock image of a police car.Photo:Getty
Getty
The owner of a non-profit organization for animalscould soon face jail timefor animal cruelty.
On Friday, April 5, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges against Damian Wesley, who ownsCompton Animal Rescue, for animal cruelty and neglect of more than two dozen dogs, per apress release.
PEOPLE reached out to Compton Animal Rescue for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
According to the press release, “approximately 145 live animals and 12 animal carcasses were recovered” from two locations in Compton on Jan. 3, with each location being tied to Wesley, 31, and Compton Animal Rescue.
Stock image of a police car.Getty
The vast majority of animals were found to be severely underweight and suffering from various illnesses. Wesley is alleged to have seen the condition of 25 distressed animals and had time to act, but did not, the district attorney’s office said.
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
“We are grateful to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in bringing this offender to justice,” added Marcia Mayeda, director of the DACC. “As animal lovers, we are always disturbed to discover these tragic cases. We remain vigilant in protecting animals from such abuse and neglect.”
Stock image of handcuffs.Getty
According to Wesley’s non-profit website, Compton Animal Rescue is “driven to do our part in making the community of Compton a safe community for both animals and residents.”
“We rescue animals every single day, along with providing awareness to the community about a variety of species and the services available in the area for them.”
In a Feb. 12 statement, theLos Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)said “143 live animals, primarily dogs, but also including cats, chickens, a rooster, tortoise, turtles, pigs, snakes, a horse, hamster, rabbits, a hawk, and lizards” were confiscated from “an illegal animal facility called Compton Animal Rescue in Compton" when three search warrants were served on Jan. 3.
If convicted as charged, Wesley will face a maximum sentence of 11 years in county jail.
source: people.com
