Newsroom

In the “Newsroom” portion of SEAACA’s website, articles and information relevant to animal control and SEAACA will be posted periodically providing information for the community.

Enjoy the Newsroom!


Public Health Warns Against Feeding Pets Raw Food Following H5 Bird Flu Virus Detection

 
   
 
County of Los Angeles - Public Health
  

Public Health Warns Against Feeding Pets Raw Food Following H5 Bird Flu Virus Detection

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising residents to not feed their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food sold at several farmers markets in California due to detection of H5 bird flu virus in product samples. A house cat that consumed this product has been confirmed H5 bird flu positive. Four other house cats from the same household are presumed to have also been positive for H5 bird flu after consuming the product.

Residents who fed their pets Monarch raw pet food products or other raw meat or dairy products and notice their pet is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian. A listing of farmers market locations where the raw pet food was sold can be found on the product website.

Residents should avoid consumption of all raw milk and raw meat products and not feed these to their pets.

Public Health recently confirmed H5 bird flu in four house cats from a separate household that consumed recalled raw milk and became sick and died, which is part of an ongoing investigation. Cats infected with H5 bird flu can develop severe illness that may include neurologic signs, respiratory signs or liver disease that can rapidly progress to death. There have been no human cases of bird flu associated with exposure to these cats yet identified.

 

First-Ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day Finds Homes for 3,609 Pets, Nearly Doubles Goal

 
   
 
Nelly with her adopter.
  

First-Ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day Finds Homes for 3,609 Pets, Nearly Doubles Goal

After resounding success, the statewide adoption event will return to California in June 2025

  

Sacramento, CalifToday, California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) and the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) announce the results of the first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day, with 3,609 pets adopted into loving homes on June 1. The day-long event included more than 170 animal welfare organizations across the state working collaboratively to nearly double the original goal of finding homes for 2,024 pets. The ASPCA provided funds to cover the cost of the adoptions at participating shelters so that they were free to the public.

SEAACA To Take Part in First-Ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 1

 
   
 
  

SEAACA To Take Part in First-Ever
California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 1

SEAACA among more than 170 California animal welfare organizations offering free adoptions across the state with the goal to find loving homes for 2,024 pets

Downey, CASEAACA will be taking part in the first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day, a statewide initiative taking place on June 1st that will feature more than 170 California animal welfare organizations offering free adoptions at their shelters or out in their communities.

“SEAACA is proud to be joining organizations across the state for the first ever, California Adopt-a-Pet Day.” said Denise Woodside, Executive Director. “We are hopeful that this day will result in adoptions and community awareness of the challenges shelters across the state are facing. If you personally cannot adopt, you can still take action by spreading the word about this momentous day.”

CalAnimals, SF SPCA, and the ASPCA to Host First-Ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 1

 
   
 
  

CalAnimals, SF SPCA, and the ASPCA to Host First-Ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 1

More than 150 California animal shelters and groups offering free adoptions with the goal to find loving homes for 2,024 pets. ASPCA providing funds to cover adoption fees for participating shelters.

  

May 6, 2024 - CalAnimals
 

Sacramento, CalifThe California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), and the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) today announced the first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day, taking place on Saturday, June 1.

5 dogs confiscated after animal cruelty investigation

  

5 dogs confiscated after animal cruelty investigation

 

February 26, 2024 - Eric Pierce

 

DOWNEY — Five dogs were removed Monday after police investigated allegations of animal cruelty in Downey.

Officers responded to the 8100 block of Firestone Blvd. at about 9:30 am with animal control officers from the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) after reviewing video on social media that appeared to show possible animal cruelty with an injured dog at the location.

Police located seven dogs on the property. Food and water was present but two of the dogs appeared to need medical attention for injuries and a medical issue, officials said.

No deceased dogs were found.

Animal control officers removed five of the dogs.

SEAACA is the lead agency handling the investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact animal control supervisor Richard Lyons at (562) 803-3301 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Public Health Investigating Respiratory Disease in LA County Dogs

For Immediate Release:

November 21, 2023

Public Health Investigating Respiratory Disease in LA County Dogs

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Veterinary Public Health Program has received multiple reports of dogs experiencing a sudden respiratory illness of unknown origin, similar to case reports in other states. Symptoms include cough, nasal discharge, sneezing and lethargy in dogs. Currently, Public Health is in case-finding mode to determine if and to what extent there is a new respiratory illness impacting dogs in Los Angeles County. As additional information becomes available, we will update the public.

Since Thursday, November 16, 2023, we have received ten case reports from veterinarians of dogs that have respiratory illness but tested negative on the respiratory panel that tests for common viruses and bacteria seen in dogs with similar symptoms. Owners are being contacted to determine where the dogs may have become infected. We are communicating with federal and state entities to ensure coordinated efforts as we learn more from our ongoing investigations.

This respiratory illness is currently known as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD). Cases are currently defined as having a negative canine respiratory PCR test panel, which tests for common viruses and bacteria identified in dogs with similar symptoms, PLUS one of the following clinical scenarios:

  • Chronic mild-moderate respiratory infection that lasts more than six weeks that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics;
  • Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics; or
  • Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours

Given the lack of knowledge about the cause of this disease, veterinarians and dog owners are advised to be on the lookout for symptoms such as cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy (lack of energy) in their dogs.

 

If a dog is experiencing these symptoms, owners should take the following steps:

  1. Contact their pet’s veterinarian so the pet may be evaluated, and, if indicated, the appropriate tests and medications may be provided.
  2. Isolate sick dogs at home for a minimum of 28 days past the first day of the onset of illness. Dogs exposed to the sick dog should quarantine at home and away from other dogs for 14 days to monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness.
  3. Clean regularly and disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, keyboards, and animal equipment. To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution.
  4. Keep the dog home and away from day care, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks.
  5. If a dog becomes ill after being boarded or being in a facility, owners should take it to a veterinarian for evaluation and they should also notify the facility about the illness.

Read The Full Report at Dept's Website