A California animal rescue operator could spend as many as 24 1/2 years in state prison after authorities filed 35 felony and misdemeanor charges against her. Prosecutors allege that about 300 animals under her care were kept in severely overcrowded, filthy and dangerous conditions.
Christine De Anda, 57, who ran the Rock ‘N’ Pawz rescue, has been charged with 12 felony counts of animal cruelty, two felony counts of grand theft of labor and 21 misdemeanors. The alleged offenses include failing to provide adequate care and running an unlicensed kennel, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The prosecution is seeking $914,500 in bail before De Anda’s arraignment at the Antelope Valley Courthouse.
Authorities allege that more than 300 animals at the Rock ‘N’ Pawz facility in Lake Hughes, California, endured inhumane and unsanitary conditions. Some were reportedly dehydrated, severely injured or suffering from starvation. (Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said anyone who identifies as an animal rescuer has a basic duty to safeguard the animals placed in their care. Instead, he alleged, De Anda allowed animals to suffer or die from hunger, dehydration, untreated injuries and painful burns caused by urine and feces in an extremely dirty environment.
Hochman also said De Anda continued accepting animals despite repeated citations and warnings that she was unable to care for them. Because animals cannot advocate for themselves, he said, his office would pursue accountability on their behalf.
The case follows a search warrant carried out March 20, 2026, by Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, or DACC. Investigators removed more than 300 animals, most of them dogs, along with cats, a pig, a rabbit, a goose and two goats. DACC Director Marcia Mayeda described the operation as the largest companion-animal search and rescue effort in the agency’s history.
De Anda is also accused of breaking several county regulations. Prosecutors say Rock ‘N’ Pawz operated as an animal kennel without the necessary land-use approval, maintained unsanitary conditions and included buildings with unauthorized construction, plumbing, electrical and grading work. (Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office)
Mayeda said the rescued animals were found confined in small crates without enough room to lie comfortably, surrounded by their own waste and suffering from serious untreated illnesses and injuries. Many were emaciated, she said. DACC teams have been working to stabilize the animals, provide medical treatment and support their recovery.
Officials said at least one cat had already died from starvation and dehydration when the investigation began.
A 57-year-old Lake Hughes woman who operated the Rock ‘N’ Pawz animal rescue faces 35 felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly keeping more than 300 animals in harsh and unsanitary conditions. The allegations include dehydration, severe injuries and starvation among the animals. (Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office)
Mayeda said some animals could not be saved despite the rescue team’s efforts because their illnesses and injuries were too advanced. She credited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, Pasadena Humane and Kern County Animal Services for assisting with the operation, while also thanking the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for pursuing the case.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office also posted video footage on YouTube showing animals at a shelter following the rescue and documenting the conditions connected to the charges.
Hochman said the animals were victims who could not speak up or protect themselves. He pledged that prosecutors would seek full accountability for the alleged abuse. (Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office)
According to prosecutors, De Anda kept taking in more animals over several years even after receiving citations and warnings about her inability to provide proper care. In addition to the animal cruelty allegations, she is accused of violating county rules by operating without required land-use approval, maintaining an unsanitary facility and using structures containing unauthorized construction, plumbing, electrical and grading work.
