LA Animal Rescuer Charged with Felony Animal Cruelty After 300 Dogs and Cats Seized
Christine De Anda, 57, operator of Rock 'N' Pawz, faces 35 criminal charges, including 12 felony counts of animal cruelty and two felony counts of grand theft of labor, after authorities seized over 300 dogs and cats from her Lake Hughes home. In March, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control rescued approximately 200 to 300 caged animals from unsanitary and filthy "hoarding" conditions. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges, detailing that many animals were ill, injured, emaciated, and suffering from starvation, dehydration, and untreated injuries. Animals were found in cages saturated with urine and feces, leading to open sores and infections. The ammonia levels were so high that rescue teams required respirators to enter. Neighbors had complained for years about foul smells, barking dogs, and trash, but De Anda repeatedly refused entry to inspectors. Witnesses eventually provided firsthand accounts, leading to a search warrant.