The woman at the center of one of the largest animal rescue operations in US history faces nearly 25 years in jail after authorities seized more than 300 dogs and cats from her Lake Hughes home.
Christine De Anda, 57, operator of Rock ‘N’ Pawz, was hit Friday with 35 criminal charges, including 12 felony counts of animal cruelty and two felony counts of grand theft of labor.
In March, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said that roughly 200 to 300 caged dogs and cats were saved from unsanitary and filthy “hoarding” conditions at her property.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman unveiled the charges nearly six months later, adding that what rescuers allegedly found was horrifying.
More than 300 animals were ill, injured and emaciated, with some suffering from starvation, dehydration and severe untreated injuries, prosecutors said.
Animals were allegedly forced to live in cages saturated with their own urine and feces, leaving some with open sores and infections, Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda said Friday.
The ammonia levels inside the animal housing areas were so intense that rescue teams had to wear respirators just to enter.
“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.
One dog was so badly matted and in so much pain that workers had to sedate it just to cut its hair, Mayeda said.
Another was severely underweight when rescuers pulled it from the property. On Friday, the transformed pup stood alongside officials after nearly doubling its weight.
But some animals never made it out alive.
One cat found dead on the property had suffered from starvation and dehydration, according to prosecutors.
Mayeda said other animals could not be saved because their illnesses and injuries were too severe.
Authorities added that warning signs had been piling up for years.
Neighbors complained about dogs barking, foul smells and trash piling up at the property, Hochman said.
Animal Care and Control and other regulators had visited the property, but De Anda repeatedly refused to let inspectors inside, authorities said.
“Ms. De Anda for years had refused entry,” Hochman said.
Witnesses eventually came forward with firsthand accounts of what they saw inside, helping investigators secure a search warrant, the DA explained.
They discovered mainly dogs and cats, but also a pig, rabbit, goose and two goats, prosecutors said.
Despite De Anda allegedly receiving years of citations and warnings about the conditions and number of animals at the property, prosecutors say she continued accepting animals she could not 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.
De Anda also faces 21 misdemeanor counts, including animal cruelty, code violations, failure to care for animals, failure to provide food and water, unsanitary conditions and operating a kennel without a license.
Her arraignment will be set for a later date. Prosecutors asked for her bail to be set at a staggering $914,500.
