LONDON: Socialite and heiress Paris Hilton is being investigated by the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services after she boasted on TV that she owns more than 17 pets.

According to contactmusic.com, Hilton was speaking on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" about the many dogs she owns without knowing that it is illegal to have more than three dogs at any non-kennel, non-breeder, residential address in Los Angeles. 

The animal services department said on its website that its officials visited Hilton's house after animal rights organisations complained about her. 

Hilton and her pets were not at home when the officials went there. They reportedly left a message with a maid saying they would return for further investigations.