- California, USA -
On Friday, April 5, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced animal cruelty charges against 31-years-old DAMIAN WESLEY (pictured), owner of the nonprofit organization Compton Animal Rescue.
In a press release, DA Gascón recounted that on January 3, 2024, LA County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) executed search warrants at two locations in the city of Compton. Both locations were tied to WESLEY and Compton Animal Rescue.
A month later, in February 2024, DACC explained in a press release that they “obtained the warrants, based on multiple complaints of neglect and mistreatment from members of the community about this organization. After investigating, warrants were issued due to the animal rescue organization’s noncompliance with State and County animal care laws.”
The search led to the discovery of approximately one hundred and forty-five (145) live animals, primarily dogs, but also including cats, chickens, hamsters, a hawk, a horse, lizards, pigs, rabbits, a rooster, snakes, tortoises, and turtles.
Sadly, officials also discovered twelve (12) animal carcasses.
According to DA Gascón, “The vast majority of animals were found to be severely underweight and suffering from various illnesses.” DA Gascón also said that WESLEY “is alleged to have seen the condition of 25 distressed animals and had time to act, but did not.”
DACC said that all the rescued Voiceless Victims “were distributed among DACC’s animal care centers where they underwent medical evaluation and treatment .”
Many of the rescued animals had to be euthanized due to their grave health conditions.
WESLEY is now facing twenty-five (25) felony counts of cruelty to an animal by neglect.
On March 26, 2024, WESLEY was ordered by the Los Angeles Superior Court to not “own” or “possess” any animals. Additionally, proof of relinquishment of all animals is ordered to be shown at his arraignment on April 17, 2024 at the Compton Courthouse.
In a statement, DA Gascón said: “I am deeply saddened by the alleged animal cruelty committed by Mr. Wesley. Our community relies on animal rescues to properly care for animals as they await their new homes. The suffering endured by these innocent animals is incomprehensible and will not be tolerated in our community. Our Office’s Animal Cruelty Section will work vigorously to seek justice in this matter.”
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official press releases. Links included.
Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
WESLEY’s photo shared from Compton Animal Rescue’s website.
Pictures shared from DACC.
