8 THURSDAY, February 15 - February 21, 2018
BeaconMediaNews.com
City of El Monte Addresses Alleged Animal Abuse
The City of El Monte is committed to improving the quality of life for its citizens. For this reason, the City takes complaints of any regard very seriously and addresses complaints through a diligent investigative process. On Wednesday, January 31, the City’s Animal Control Division received a complaint regarding an alleged dog abuse. Immediately within the hour and without notifying the dog owner, the Animal Control Officers were on scene investigating the complaint. The Officers examined the dog and its environment, and did not see visible
injuries or signs of abuse. The Animal Control Officers have issued a citation to the dog owner for a licensing violation. During the inspection, Officers observed that the dog owner also had a fox, which is classified as an exotic animal. While the fox appears to be in good health, the City is coordinating with the California Department of Fish and Game to investigate if the owner has the proper licensing. Due to continued community concern, the El Monte Police Department (EMPD) and the Los Angeles County Animal Control also conducted independent diligent investigations,
– Courtesy photo
which included interviewing neighbors. All three independent investigations by the City Animal Control Division, EMPD and Los Angeles County Animal Control, concluded that the dog was healthy and free from injuries and signs of abuse. Based on the investigations, there was no immediate cause to remove the dog from the property. The City of El Monte values community concerns and engagement for the safety and well-being of animals in our community. The City is investigating the conditions shown in the photo and will continue to monitor the case.
U.S. ATTORNEY’S Continued from page 2
ALHAMBRA BIERGARTEN | BURBANK | CORONA LONG BEACH BIERGARTEN | OLD PASADENA BIERGARTEN PASADENA | USC BIERGARTEN | WEST COVINA
including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education. During fiscal year 2017, prosecutors in the Central District of California recovered $42 million from a settlement with Pacific Alliance Medical Center to resolve allegations that the medical center had improper financial relationships with referring physicians. Additionally, the Office recovered $26.5 million from a settlement with the City
of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for environmental and property damage sustained as a result of the 2013 Powerhouse Fire, which scorched more than 30,000 acres in northern Los Angeles County and destroyed 58 structures. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is based in Los Angeles and has branch offices in Santa Ana and Riverside. Currently, approximately 275 Assistant United States Attorneys serve nearly 20 million residents of the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside,
San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Assistant United States Attorney Indira CameronBanks is the Chief of the Financial Litigation Section in the Civil Division. The Financial Litigation Section coordinates efforts to collect criminal and civil debts owed to victims of federal crimes and the United States, including restitution, fines, civil settlements, penalties and defaulted federal loans. These efforts include locating debtors’ assets and initiating enforcement actions to secure collection on the outstanding debts.