34 animals rescued from flooded home

By Ben Barry

Officials rescued 34 animals were rescued from a flooded home.

The animals were found in distress due to a plumbing issue after the San Diego Police Department alerted Humane Officers about the property.

The bodycam footage shows the moment officers inspect the flooded home searching for the animals at 3,700 block of Shooting Star Drive on August 27, 2024.

Over the course of several hours, Humane Officers rescued 30 dogs, one cat and two chickens from unsafe conditions in the home.

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Another dog was taken into care when owner Gary Marks was arrested, just days later.

He was charged with animal cruelty and on December 1, 2025, Marks was banned from owning an animal for 10 years, and his sentencing included a Fourth Amendment Waiver - allowing law enforcement to search his home without a warrant - and mandated mental health treatment.

Several animals required emergency veterinary care and despite the efforts of veterinary staff, eight of the dogs that were recovered "were in such poor condition that they had to be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering".

San Diego Humane Society Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Jace Huggins, said: “This case is heartbreaking - and no animal should ever endure such living conditions.

“Neglect has consequences, and we are committed to ensuring every animal in our community is safe, cared for and given the chance to live a healthy life.”