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Twenty-five counts of animal cruelty have been filed against Damian Wesley, owner of the non-profit Compton Animal Rescue 

COMPTON, CA – Today, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges against Damian Wesley, owner of the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization Compton Animal Rescue, for animal cruelty and neglect of more than two dozen dogs.

“I am deeply saddened by the alleged animal cruelty committed by Mr. Wesley,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our community relies on animal rescues to properly care for animals as they await their new homes. The suffering endured by these innocent animals is incomprehensible and will not be tolerated in our community. Our Office’s Animal Cruelty Section will work vigorously to seek justice in this matter.”

“We are grateful to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for their partnership in bringing this offender to justice,” said Marcia Mayeda, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. “As animal lovers, we are always disturbed to discover these tragic cases.  We remain vigilant in protecting animals from such abuse and neglect.”

On January 3, 2024, search warrants were executed by the LA County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control at two locations in the city of Compton. Each location was tied to Wesley and Compton Animal Rescue. Approximately 145 live animals and 12 animal carcasses were recovered during the search. The vast majority of animals were found to be severely underweight and suffering from various illnesses. Wesley is alleged to have seen the condition of 25 distressed animals and had time to act, but did not.

Damian Wesley (dob 11/20/92) is charged with 25 felony counts of cruelty to an animal by neglect.

On March 26, Wesley was ordered by the Los Angeles Superior Court to not own or possess any animals. A proof of relinquishment of all animals is ordered to be shown at his arraignment on April 17. Wesley’s arraignment was continued to April 17 in Dept. 12 at the Compton Courthouse.

If convicted as charged, Wesley will face a maximum sentence of 11 years in county jail.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.