Ventura County Animal Services Rescues 22 Dogs From Oxnard Riverbed Camp
Eight puppies and 14 adult dogs were secured after reports of animals roaming near the West Montalvo oil field, straining shelters already at 130% capacity.
By Takeshi Faure ·
Ventura County Animal Services secured 22 dogs from a campsite located in the riverbed near Fifth Street and Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard on Monday. The operation involved the Oxnard Animal Safety Unit and Dog Days Search & Rescue, which responded to multiple reports of stray dogs wandering the area close to the West Montalvo oil field.
Officer D. Wassil of Ventura County Animal Services stated that the team descended into the riverbed to ensure the safety of the animals. He confirmed that all 22 dogs were successfully secured and transported to a local shelter. The rescued group consists of eight puppies and 14 fully developed young or adult dogs, all of which are mixed breeds.
The shelter system is currently operating under strain, with both Ventura County Animal Services facilities functioning at approximately 130% of their capacity. This overcrowding raises concerns about available space for new intakes, including the dogs from the Oxnard riverbed.
While the 22 rescued animals are now safe, Dog Days Search & Rescue continues efforts to locate and capture two additional dogs that remain in the oil field area. Officials expect community members and rescue organizations to assist in finding permanent homes for the animals to alleviate shelter pressure.
Before the dogs become available for adoption, each will undergo a standard preparation process. This includes spaying or neutering, vaccination, flea treatment, and the insertion of a microchip. Ventura County Animal Services advises interested adopters to check the organization's website for individual animal profiles and specific adoption dates.
The 22 dogs can be identified by shelter identification numbers A856012 through A889800. The rescue effort highlights the intersection of urban wildlife management and resource constraints within the county's animal care system.
