Thanks to an anonymous call for a wellness check at a San Joaquin Valley home, police discovered 86 dogs, an elderly woman, and a girl living in “unlivable conditions,” according to a March 19 statement.
Police in Ceres, just south of Modesto, arrested Lissette Stdenis 43, Seth Badal 43, and Freddy Vasquez 22, on suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse, and animal cruelty. The unnamed elderly woman was taken to a hospital for treatment and a check by Adult Protection Services, police said. The girl was also taken to the hospital and placed into Child Protection Services.
The dogs, some of whom were living under the floor or in walls, according to media reports, were sent for medical treatment to Stanislaus County Animal Services Shelter, which is currently well over capacity. Police urged people to adopt or foster one of the dogs.
A report issued in June 2023 by a Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury raised concerns that the shelter was euthanizing too many pets, and lacked funding and staff, according to local media.
All three suspects were booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center. The investigation is ongoing with additional charges possible, police said.
