Overview

• The landlord reported the tenant missing for weeks, prompting SDHS and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to enter the unit on Oct. 1 and conduct a recovery that lasted through Oct. 4.
• Officers found floor-to-ceiling debris with animals tunneling through clutter and hiding under furniture, requiring extra staff, large dumpsters and extensive cleanup.
• All 11 dogs and two cats were transported to SDHS's Oceanside Campus for medical care and placed under emergency boarding status while the case remains under investigation.
• Rescuers said many of the small-breed dogs had flea infestations, skin issues and overgrown nails, and the animals were frightened but are now safe, according to SDHS.
• Counting the Vista pets, SDHS is caring for 792 dogs, and adoption fees for adult dogs and cats are reduced to $50 through Oct. 15 as the group urges adoptions, fostering and donations to create space.