Ivan George Callais Jr. was arrested last week after five felony animal cruelty charges were filed against him.  His bail has been set at $100,000.  More than 380 neglected, sick, and dying animals including dogs, cats, and farm animals were discovered on his property in Lancaster. Callais acquired many of these animals by finding them on the streets.  One dog had a microchip that was traced back to an owner that had been searching for the dog for more than a year.  “Don’t let your pet end up in a situation like this – a microchip could save your pet’s life” stated Deputy Director Michelle Roache’.

Not only is microchipping permanent, but it’s also safe and convenient. As easy to administer as a vaccination, the microchip will lasts your pet’s lifetime.  Microchipping is the best way to help reunite lost pets with their owners. According to the US Department of Agriculture, an average of eight to 10 million pets are lost in the United States each year.

Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control continues to offer FREE microchip clinics for dogs throughout the six County Animal Shelters.  The clinics provide free microchips and lifetime registrations to residents of unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.  Please visit our website http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/ for additional information on this important service.