RIDGECREST, Calif. -- On Wednesday, Kern County Sheriff’s Office Ridgecrest Substation deputies worked with Kern County Animal Control officers on a directed patrol assignment in the Inyokern area.

This is the second operation, first operation was Sept. 10, of this type since deputies noticed an increase in the number vicious dog calls, dogs running loose and dogs being unlicensed.

A 72-year-old woman was also recently attacked by a pit bull dog running loose in this area, deputies reported.

On the first directed patrol, deputies were teamed with animal control officers and went door to door. They contacted residents at 25 homes.

They issued 16 citations for unlicensed dogs, and one citation for a dog being off leash running loose in a neighborhood.

Deputies also identified a child endangerment situation where they made two felony arrests and took three minor children into protective custody.

Teams went door to door in the Inyokern area as well.

The teams went to 125 residences and spoke with 70 residents.

Of those contacts they issued 35 citations for 105 unlicensed dogs and one citation for a dog being off leash running loose in a neighborhood.

Information packets on responsible pet ownership were left at the residences where contact was not made.

Deputies also arrested one person on an Orange County misdemeanor warrant during today’s directed patrol.

Total numbers for both directed patrol operations.

Residences checked – 150

Citations issued – 52

Number of unlicensed dogs identified - 121

Felony arrests -2

Misdemeanor arrests -1

Both the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and the Kern County Animal Control want to encourage pet owners to have their dogs licensed, vaccinated and maintained in a secure yard. Similar public safety operations in the Ridgecrest and Inyokern areas are being planned in the future.