Lake Hughes, California — More than 300 dogs and cats were rescued from a Lake Hughes property in one of the largest animal rescue operations in U.S. history, and the woman accused of keeping them there now faces nearly 25 years in prison.
Christine De Anda, 57, who operated Rock ‘N’ Pawz, was charged Friday with 35 criminal counts, including 12 felony counts of animal cruelty and two felony counts of grand theft of labor.
The charges come nearly six months after Los Angeles County animal control officials removed hundreds of animals from what authorities described as severely unsanitary and inhumane hoarding conditions.
Rescuers Found Hundreds of Animals in Severe Conditions
In March, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control reported that approximately 200 to 300 dogs and cats had been discovered at De Anda’s property.
By Friday, authorities said the number of animals involved was more than 300.
Prosecutors said many of the animals were ill, injured and emaciated, with some suffering from starvation, dehydration and serious untreated injuries.
The conditions inside the animal housing areas were also a major concern.
Animals were allegedly confined to cages saturated with their own urine and feces, according to Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda. The conditions reportedly caused open sores and infections among some of the animals.
The ammonia levels inside the property became so intense that rescue workers were required to wear respirators when entering the animal housing areas.
“What we found was deeply disturbing,” Mayeda said. “More than 300 animals were found in severely inhumane conditions.”
“They were ill, injured, emaciated, and in need of immediate medical attention and intensive care,” she added.
Some Animals Needed Emergency Medical Care
Mayeda said one dog was so severely matted and in such significant pain that workers had to sedate the animal before they could cut its hair.
Another dog was extremely underweight when rescuers removed it from the property. By Friday, the animal had undergone a dramatic transformation and stood beside officials after nearly doubling its weight.
But not every animal survived. According to prosecutors, one cat discovered dead at the property had suffered from starvation and dehydration.
Mayeda also said some other animals could not be saved because their illnesses and injuries were too advanced.
Warning Signs Had Allegedly Continued for Years
Authorities said concerns about the property had been building for years before the large-scale rescue.
Neighbors reportedly complained about persistent barking, foul odors and accumulating trash around the property, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Animal Care and Control officials and other regulators had previously visited the property, but authorities said De Anda repeatedly refused to allow inspectors inside.
“Ms. De Anda for years had refused entry,” Hochman said.
Investigators eventually received firsthand information from witnesses who described what they had seen inside the property. Those accounts helped authorities obtain a search warrant, according to the district attorney.
When investigators entered the property, they found primarily dogs and cats but also a pig, rabbit, goose and two goats.
Prosecutors Say De Anda Continued Taking Animals
Authorities allege De Anda had received years of citations and warnings concerning the number of animals on the property and the conditions in which they were being kept.
Despite those warnings, prosecutors say she continued accepting animals that she was unable to adequately care for.
“For someone who calls herself an animal rescuer, there’s a fundamental responsibility to protect and care for the animals entrusted to her,” Hochman said.
In addition to the felony charges, De Anda faces 21 misdemeanor counts.
Those allegations include animal cruelty, code violations, failure to properly care for animals, failure to provide adequate food and water, maintaining unsanitary conditions and operating a kennel without a license.
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Woman Faces Nearly 25 Years Behind Bars
The criminal case could carry a significant prison sentence if De Anda is convicted on the charges. Prosecutors are seeking $914,500 in bail, an unusually high amount reflecting the seriousness of the allegations and the scale of the case.
De Anda’s arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
For the rescued animals, the operation marked the beginning of a long recovery process. For De Anda, the criminal case could ultimately determine whether the allegations result in a sentence approaching 25 years in prison.
What do you think about the allegations in this case and the rescue of more than 300 animals? Share your thoughts in the comments.
