Authorities have filed 35 felony and misdemeanor charges against Christine De Anda, 57, a Lake Hughes woman accused of housing rescue animals in inhumane and unsanitary conditions. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office alleges De Anda, who operated Rock N Pawz Rescue, committed 12 felony counts of animal cruelty, two felony counts of grand theft of labor, and 21 misdemeanors related to animal cruelty and failure to provide proper care.
Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant for De Anda, with an arraignment to be scheduled at a later date. De Anda could not be reached for immediate comment. Rock N Pawz Rescue, a 501c nonprofit founded in 2000, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A GoFundMe page established for De Anda and the rescue indicates over $9,000 in donations have been received for legal defense, stating, "We have always been transparent, compassionate, and committed to giving these dogs a second chance. This situation is not only devastating—it threatens the future of our entire rescue."
According to District Attorney Nathan Hochman, prosecutors allege De Anda housed hundreds of rescue animals in deplorable conditions. The animals were reportedly confined in overcrowded cages, covered in feces, and suffered from starvation, dehydration, open wounds, and untreated medical conditions, with some animals resorting to consuming their own feces. Hochman stated that De Anda allegedly continued to solicit public donations and accept new animals despite her inability to provide adequate care.
Video evidence released by prosecutors depicts animals in cramped cages, exhibiting distress, and over a dozen cats housed in a fenced area. Hochman recounted an employee's belief that dogs were attempting to escape their kennels to reach water, noting that De Anda reportedly discouraged keeping water in cages to minimize cleanup. Investigators who executed a warrant last March discovered hundreds of animals living in squalor, with air quality severely compromised by the stench of urine and ammonia, necessitating the use of respirators.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 233 dogs, 66 cats, one goose, one parrot, one pig, one rabbit, and two goats. All animals are currently housed in county facilities as evidence. This seizure represents the largest companion animal operation ever conducted by the department, according to Mayeda. Neighbors had reportedly heard persistent barking and reported foul odors emanating from the property to local authorities, as previously reported by The Times.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement emphasizing that animal cruelty has no place in the community and that those entrusted with animal care have a responsibility to ensure their health and well-being. "When that trust is violated, there must be accountability," Barger stated. If convicted of all charges, De Anda faces a potential prison sentence exceeding 24 years. District Attorney Hochman affirmed, "Those who engage in these criminal acts against these animals will suffer the consequences."
