Free Oofa and Buttercup: Recall Justin Guzman Animal Control Agent

The Issue

My name is Amber Kasel. My two dogs, Oofa and Buttercup, were taken from me by Animal Control and have been held for months under circumstances that raise serious concerns about abuse of authority, negligence, and harm to animals in custody.
Justin Guzman, the manager of Animal Control, and Harold Holmes, a department official, were directly involved in the seizure and continued detention of my dogs. Guzman later claimed there was an “emergency” to justify taking them — yet he had prior opportunities to act and did not. If there was truly an emergency, why were no steps taken earlier?
After my dogs were taken, a “do not release” hold was placed on them, preventing reunification even though I repeatedly tried to bring them home over the course of months. Even after an Inglewood detective released the hold, Guzman and Holmes continued to prevent my dogs’ return. During this time, the department sent abandonment notices and threats to an address they knew was incorrect. Instead of correcting the mistakes or helping resolve the situation, Guzman and Holmes allowed the hold and coercive fees to continue.
While confined for months, my dogs were subjected to prolonged kennel stays. One was unnecessarily sedated and nearly died. Both developed health issues. Meanwhile, I was told I had to pay inflated “medical” fees — far beyond actual veterinary care — or risk forfeiture and euthanasia of my dogs.
This is not animal protection. This is coercion, negligence, and misuse of authority.
I am asking the Los Angeles County Council to:
Conduct a full, independent investigation into the actions of Justin Guzman and Harold Holmes.
Ensure Oofa and Buttercup are safely returned to me immediately.
Review and reform Animal Control policies to prevent abuse of “do not release” holds, improper seizure practices, and coercive fees in the future.
No family should have to endure this for months, and no officer should ignore a detective’s order to release animals. The County Council has the authority to ensure justice for Oofa and Buttercup and protect other families from this treatment.

Amber Rose KaselPetition Starter

Media inquiries

387 The Issue

My name is Amber Kasel. My two dogs, Oofa and Buttercup, were taken from me by Animal Control and have been held for months under circumstances that raise serious concerns about abuse of authority, negligence, and harm to animals in custody.
Justin Guzman, the manager of Animal Control, and Harold Holmes, a department official, were directly involved in the seizure and continued detention of my dogs. Guzman later claimed there was an “emergency” to justify taking them — yet he had prior opportunities to act and did not. If there was truly an emergency, why were no steps taken earlier?
After my dogs were taken, a “do not release” hold was placed on them, preventing reunification even though I repeatedly tried to bring them home over the course of months. Even after an Inglewood detective released the hold, Guzman and Holmes continued to prevent my dogs’ return. During this time, the department sent abandonment notices and threats to an address they knew was incorrect. Instead of correcting the mistakes or helping resolve the situation, Guzman and Holmes allowed the hold and coercive fees to continue.
While confined for months, my dogs were subjected to prolonged kennel stays. One was unnecessarily sedated and nearly died. Both developed health issues. Meanwhile, I was told I had to pay inflated “medical” fees — far beyond actual veterinary care — or risk forfeiture and euthanasia of my dogs.
This is not animal protection. This is coercion, negligence, and misuse of authority.
I am asking the Los Angeles County Council to:
Conduct a full, independent investigation into the actions of Justin Guzman and Harold Holmes.
Ensure Oofa and Buttercup are safely returned to me immediately.
Review and reform Animal Control policies to prevent abuse of “do not release” holds, improper seizure practices, and coercive fees in the future.
No family should have to endure this for months, and no officer should ignore a detective’s order to release animals. The County Council has the authority to ensure justice for Oofa and Buttercup and protect other families from this treatment.