Los Angeles: A mental patient's pets were rescued from a home in the San Fernando Valley.
On July 31, 2007, concerned friends of a West Valley woman notified the Los Angeles Police Department regarding her threats to kill herself. West Valley Area officers responded to the residence in the 19300 block of Welby Way in an effort to check on the woman's welfare. When there was no answer at the door, the officers, fearing that someone had been harmed, entered the residence. The officers were unable to locate the woman, but discovered cats, reptiles, a dog, and numerous exotic birds living in deplorable conditions.
Animal Cruelty Task Force detectives responded and rescued the endangered animals. While the animals were being taken into protective custody, the woman came home. The officers, suspecting that mental illness was a factor, detained the woman for a 72-hour mental evaluation hold.
A total of 108 animals were taken into protective custody. Anyone interested in fostering animals please go to www.laanimalservices.com for more information.
Reports of animal cruelty can be reported to the Animal Cruelty Task Force at 213-847-1417.
On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).
west valley community police station 
