At a Glance
- 40 dogs and puppies rescued from a filthy La Mesa apartment after a year of neglect.
- The animals were found in a 500-sq-ft ADU on 70th Street with animal waste, old food and cockroaches.
- San Diego Humane Society is treating the pets while investigating possible abuse.
- Why it matters: The rescue highlights a critical surge in the society’s already over-capacity shelters and underscores the need for community support.
On Dec. 30, 2025, San Diego Humane Society crews pulled forty small dogs and puppies from a cramped apartment in La Mesa that had been left unoccupied since Dec. 23.
The Abandoned Home
The tenant was evicted on Dec. 23, leaving the 500-sq-ft ADU on 70th Street to deteriorate. Conditions included:
- Open bags of dog food on the floor and water dripping from the sink faucet.
- Feces reaching up to the couch’s seating area, with a strong odor.
- Dogs climbing on each other to reach the single water source.
Investigation and Care
Chief of the San Diego Humane Society Law Enforcement Jace Huggins stated:
> “Could this become a criminal investigation? It definitely could,”
He added that the dogs were found in the worst conditions he’s ever seen, not fit for humans or animals. Huggins estimates the animals had lived in these conditions for a year.
The Humane Society team vaccinated, dewormed, scanned for microchips and performed a thorough check-up before moving the animals to a safe facility.
Community Response and Next Steps
A neighbor, who asked to be referred to as Paul, called La Mesa police on Monday night after hearing dogs bark but not seeing the tenant.
Paul remarked:
> “It is very sad to see that somebody could have done that. Especially abandon them,”
He added:
> “I hope they find them a better home. Somebody that will take them in and love them.”
The Humane Society now has nearly 800 animals in its care, far beyond its ideal capacity. The Animal Legal Defense Fund estimates that 250,000 animals become victims of hoarding each year.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 23 | Tenant evicted |
| Dec. 30 | Rescue of 40 dogs and puppies |
Key Takeaways
- Forty dogs and puppies were rescued from a neglected La Mesa apartment.
- The animals are receiving medical care while a potential criminal investigation unfolds.
- The Humane Society’s intake now exceeds capacity, highlighting the need for adoption and fostering.
The rescue underscores the urgent need for community support and vigilance against animal abuse.
