Cadbury, a 4-year-old Mountain Cur, shakes off after being in the Fassnight Park Pool during the annual dog swim on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.
San Ysidro, California – San Ysidro’s animal disaster has reached a dramatic conclusion after a local man’s home was found flooded and packed with dozens of desperate creatures. In a scene straight out of a nightmare, authorities swooped in on Gary Marks’ residence on Shooting Star Drive on August 27, 2024, uncovering 31 dogs, a cat, and a pair of chickens struggling for survival as water poured in. After the shocking rescue operation, the courts came down hard on Marks this Monday, slapping him with a 10-year ban on keeping animals.
Tragically, the aftermath wasn’t just about animal rescues. The San Diego Humane Society revealed that eight of the seized dogs were suffering so severely, veterinarians had no choice but to put them down to spare further agony. Other animals were rushed for emergency medical help, sources say, with most survivors now settling into new homes.
Following his arrest, Marks faced animal cruelty charges and additional penalties. The judge’s sentence goes far beyond the pet ban – Marks must also undergo compulsory mental health treatment and let law enforcement officers conduct searches of his property at any time, no warrant required.
San Diego Humane Society’s Chief of Humane Law Enforcement, Jace Huggins, didn’t mince words: “Heartbreaking doesn’t even begin to describe this. No creature should ever endure suffering like this,” said Huggins. “We stand firm – neglect comes with consequences. Our mission is to make sure every animal gets the care and respect they deserve.”
