The operator of a Lake Hughes animal rescue where authorities seized more than 300 dogs and cats could face nearly 25 years in prison following one of the largest animal rescue operations in U.S. history.
Christine De Anda, 57, who runs Rock ‘N’ Pawz, was charged Friday with 35 criminal offenses, including 12 felony counts of animal cruelty and two felony counts of felony grand theft of labor.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said in March that approximately 200 to 300 dogs and cats were rescued from cages and filthy, unsanitary hoarding conditions at De Anda’s property.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges nearly six months later, saying the conditions encountered by rescuers were horrifying.
Prosecutors said more than 300 animals were sick, injured and severely underweight. Some were suffering from starvation, dehydration and serious injuries that had gone untreated.
The animals allegedly lived in cages soaked with urine and feces, causing some to develop open sores and infections, Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda said Friday.
Rescue workers needed respirators to enter the animal housing areas because of the dangerously high ammonia levels.
“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.
Mayeda said one dog was so heavily matted and in such severe pain that workers had to sedate the animal before they could cut its hair.
Rescuers also found another dog dangerously underweight. After receiving care and nearly doubling its weight, the transformed animal stood beside officials Friday.
Not every animal survived the ordeal.
According to prosecutors, a cat found dead at the property had died from starvation and dehydration.
Mayeda said other animals were beyond saving because their illnesses and injuries were too advanced.
Authorities said evidence of problems at the property had accumulated over several years.
Neighbors reported barking dogs, strong odors and growing piles of trash at the home, Hochman said.
Animal Care and Control officials and other regulators had visited the property, but authorities said De Anda repeatedly denied them access to the interior.
“Ms. De Anda for years had refused entry,” Hochman said.
The investigation advanced after witnesses provided firsthand descriptions of the conditions inside, giving authorities enough information to obtain a search warrant, the district attorney said.
Most of the animals were dogs and cats, but prosecutors said the property also contained a pig, a rabbit, a goose and two goats.
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.
