Dozens of dogs were rescued Tuesday from the backyard of a home in Lawndale in what’s being investigated as an animal cruelty case. More than 40 animals were seized and taken into crates to be rescued Wednesday morning, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (spcaLA). WATCH HERE WATCH HERELee Smith said he’s owned the property since 1980 and had it rented by a woman. He said the animals have been in the care of his housekeeper, who is in the business of breeding dogs. NBC4 has reached out to Lawndale Animal Control for more information.