California rescue operator charged with 35 counts of animal cruelty

A California animal rescue operator is facing up to 24 1/2 years in state prison after being charged with 35 felonies and misdemeanors for alleged cruelty to animals, as she is accused of leaving roughly 300 animals living in severe squalor.

Christine De Anda, 57, operator of the “Rock ‘N’ Pawz” rescue, faces 12 felony counts of animal cruelty, two felony counts of grand theft of labor, and 21 misdemeanor charges ranging from failure to provide care to operating an unlicensed kennel, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors requested that her bail be set at $914,500 ahead of her arraignment at the Antelope Valley Courthouse.

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“For someone who calls herself an animal rescuer, there’s a fundamental responsibility to protect and care for the animals entrusted to her,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Instead, purported rescuer Christine De Anda allegedly left these animals to suffer or die from starvation, dehydration, untreated injuries and painful urine and fecal burns in filthy conditions.”

“After repeated citations and warnings, Ms. De Anda continued taking in animals she could not care for, leaving hundreds to endure prolonged suffering,” Hochman added. “These animal victims cannot speak for themselves and look to us to protect them. My office will hold their victimizer fully accountable for her inhumane actions.”

The charges stem from a March 20, 2026, search warrant executed by Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (DACC). Investigators removed more than 300 animals — primarily dogs, but also cats, a pig, a rabbit, a goose, and two goats — in what DACC Director Marcia Mayeda called the “largest companion animal search warrant and rescue operation ever conducted” in the department’s history.

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“More than 300 animals were removed from severely inhumane conditions,” Mayeda said. “Animals were living in and saturated with their own excrement, had serious untreated illnesses and injuries, were emaciated, and were forced to live in small crates without adequate room to properly lie comfortably. Our teams have worked tirelessly to stabilize them, provide the medical care they needed, and help them recover.”

At least one cat was found dead from starvation and dehydration at the start of the investigation, authorities said.

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“Sadly, despite all efforts, we were unable to save every animal due to the extent of their illnesses and injuries,” Mayeda added. “DACC is deeply grateful for the support of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, Pasadena Humane and Kern County Animal Services for assisting us with this rescue and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for its commitment to pursuing justice for these animals.”

The L.A. County DA’s Office shared a video on YouTube of the animals at the shelter, showing the conditions that led to the charges.

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Prosecutors say De Anda continued to take in an increasing number of animals despite years of citations and warnings regarding her inability to care for them. She is accused of violating multiple county codes, including operating an animal kennel without required land-use approval, maintaining unsanitary conditions and having structures with unpermitted construction, plumbing, electrical and grading work.