The charity's website said it was "tantamount to abuse" to allow a child to sit in wet or soiled underwear.

The first reporter sounded as panicked as possible and the government officials sounded like school teachers trying to calm down a kindergartner after they’ve soiled themselves in class.

"Kenya has soiled its international image. This will be quoted for ages. We cannot undo what we have done," he said.

Inside, where the air conditioner wasn’t working, dozens of puppies and kittens were jammed into small cages and storage bins lined with soiled shredded paper.

Margot Alvarez, who sorts soiled bedding and other materials from convalescent homes and medical facilities at Braun Linen, a commercial laundry in Paramount, was also unaware of the regulations.