Paris Hilton's pets are being monitored by L.A authorities

L.A authorities are carefully watching the welfare of Paris Hilton's pets, it has been claimed.

The ex-con heiress told TV host Ellen DeGeneres this week that she is the owner of 17 dogs.

But the reality TV star didn't realize that it is illegal to own more than three dogs in the city, unless you are a licensed dog breeder.

The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services control squad has now paid a visit to Hilton's home in Beverly Hills, according to the New York Post.

But when they arrived they found the property empty with no sign of any pets, which reportedly include dogs, cats, birds, a ferret and even a monkey.

Hilton is believed to be in the process of moving to a new luxury home in the city.

Animal charity SPCA says they have contacted Hilton about the care of her pets and say that her animals have been placed with 'handlers at a ranch.'