San Diego County Animal Services seized more than 820 birds from a property on Thursday after reports that the animals were not cared for properly.
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The seized animals included 400 ducks and two dogs.
San Diego County authorities were tipped off to the Valley Center property’s owner by their counterparts in Riverside County, the County of San Diego Communications Office said in a release.
Other species of animals seized included geese, parrots, peacocks, pigeons and roosters, according to San Diego’s KUSI-TV.
San Diego County animal control officers took about 12 hours removing the animals and transporting them to shelters.
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“When we arrived, our officers found birds living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Our staff and partners worked tirelessly to ensure these animals were safe, and we’re now focused on giving each one the care they need to recover,” San Diego County Director of Animal Services Brie Sarvis said in a press release.
San Diego County spokesman Chuck Westerheide told KFMB-TV the property owner is Harold Berkowitz, 66. Mr. Berkowitz formerly operated a duck sanctuary in Riverside County, but officials there seized around 480 ducks this year following similar accusations of improperly caring for the animals.
Mr. Berkowitz was taken into custody with a Ramey warrant on grounds of cruelty to animals but is no longer in custody, according to KFMB. A Ramey warrant is used to arrest a suspect before charges are formally filed.
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