LOS ANGELES ( KTLA ) -- The city of Los Angeles' six animal shelters were raided Thursday amid allegations of animal theft and paycheck fraud.
The LAPD's anti-gang unit raided six shelters throughout Los Angeles around 8 a.m. Thursday.
Officers confiscated two shotguns, a rifle and over a dozen .38-caliber handguns and ammunition from West Valley Shelter in Chatsworth.
Over 120 firearms were seized from the shelters.
Animal control officers are qualified as peace officers and are issued guns in the event of euthanizing an animal off-site as well as for personal protection.
Animal Services has been under investigation recently after allegations that employees were stealing animals and selling them for profit.
City officials also confirmed reports of time card fraud by department employees. Five employees are currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
The LAPD's anti-gang unit raided six shelters throughout Los Angeles around 8 a.m. Thursday.
Officers confiscated two shotguns, a rifle and over a dozen .38-caliber handguns and ammunition from West Valley Shelter in Chatsworth.
Over 120 firearms were seized from the shelters.
Animal control officers are qualified as peace officers and are issued guns in the event of euthanizing an animal off-site as well as for personal protection.
Animal Services has been under investigation recently after allegations that employees were stealing animals and selling them for profit.
City officials also confirmed reports of time card fraud by department employees. Five employees are currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
