Hundreds of birds, many of which are in grave condition and suffering from serious medical conditions, were recovered by animal control officers in Costa Mesa Thursday.
Detectives served a search warrant at a home on the 2100 block of Charle Drive around 10:30 a.m. as part of an animal cruelty investigation, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Inside the home, officers, with assistance from city code enforcement and the state and federal fish and wildlife agencies, discovered hundreds of “severely neglected” birds living in poor and stressful conditions, including many who were in poor health and suffering from a variety of diseases, officials said.
In total, 280 neglected birds, as well several birds in “grave condition” and at least four dead birds, were recovered from the home. Officers also removed nine adult dogs and five puppies from the property.
The animals have since been transported to local veterinarians for evaluation, treatment and housing.
According to the Police Department, two Costa Mesa men, ages 36 and 26, were arrested at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Costa Mesa Police Department.
In a post to social media, the Police Department thanked the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Priceless Pets, a local animal rescue, for their assistance.
“We also want to thank the residents that were in the area for their patience, this was a large and busy scene,” officials added.
