OC Animal Care investigates reptile rescue nonprofit in Lake Forest

Authorities in Orange County launch investigation into animal neglect

Neighbors of a reptile rescue in Lake Forest had been complaining for weeks about a foul smell. When animal officials arrived, they found a scene just as foul.

LAKE FOREST, Calif. - Orange County Animal Care and Orange County sheriff's deputies were on scene Wednesday at a Lake Forest reptile rescue organization to check on the welfare of the animals there.

Deputies were dispatched to an assistance with cruelty to animals call at 2:26 p.m. at 22762 Aspan Ave., according to Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

OC Animal Care officials were on site "assessing the situation," said Jessica Novillo, a spokeswoman for the agency.

The address is home to the Reptile Rescue Orange County, a nonprofit rganization that aims to "find quality homes for reptiles, amphibians, vertebrates, and all other exotic animals that people can no longer care for," according to its website.

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