2 Arrested For Animal Cruelty In OC; 14 Dogs, 250+ Birds Saved: Police

COSTA MESA, CA — Two men were arrested Thursday after hundreds of several neglected birds were found in a Costa Mesa home, authorities said Friday.

Costa Mesa Police Department detectives carried out a search warrant for animal cruelty at a home on the 2100 block of Charle Drive 10:30 a.m. Thursday, police said.

As a result of the warrant, police officers found hundreds of birds being severely neglected and in need of medical care for a variety of conditions, authorities said.

"Several of these birds are suffering from a variety of diseases, as well as poor and stressful living conditions," a CMPD news release said.

The search led to the arrest of two men, a 36-year-old and a 26-year-old. The men were only identified as Costa Mesa residents.

In total, authorities rescued nine dogs, five puppies, roughly 280 neglected birds, four dead birds and several birds in "grave condition."

The birds were taken to a veterinarian clinic for evaluation, treatment and proper housing.

The arrests and subsequent animal rescues were carried out by CMPD's Animal Control Unit, City Code Enforcement California Department of Fish & Wildlife, United States Fish & Wildlife Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

No further information was immediately available.