Full Breakdown
California Rescue Operator Faces Massive Felony Charges Over Animal Hoarding
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Alleged Animal Cruelty at Rock ‘N’ Pawz Rescue
Christine De Anda, 57, operated the “Rock ‘N’ Pawz” rescue in Antelope Valley. Prosecutors allege she kept roughly 300 animals in conditions described as “severe squalor,” with many suffering starvation, dehydration, untreated injuries, and burns from urine and feces. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office says De Anda repeatedly accepted animals despite citations warning she could not provide adequate care.
Legal Charges and Potential Penalty
The district attorney’s office filed 35 counts—including 12 felony animal-cruelty charges, two felony grand-theft-of-labor counts, and 21 misdemeanor violations such as failure to provide care and operating an unlicensed kennel. Prosecutors have asked that bail be set at $914,500. If convicted, De Anda could face up to 24½ years in state prison.
Scale of the Rescue Operation
A search warrant scheduled for March 20, 2026, was 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. At least one cat was found dead from starvation and dehydration at the start of the investigation.
Official Responses
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. DACC officials expressed gratitude to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, Pasadena Humane, Kern County Animal Services, and the district attorney’s office for their collaborative effort.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After repeated citations and warnings, Ms. De Anda continued taking in animals she could not care for, leaving hundreds to endure prolonged suffering,” — Nathan J. Hochman, county district attorney
- “More than 300 animals were removed from severely inhumane conditions,” — Marcia Mayeda, what DACC director
- “Sadly, despite all efforts, we were unable to save every animal due to the extent of their illnesses and injuries,” — Marcia Mayeda, what DACC director