Christine De Anda, owner of an animal rescue in Lake Hughes, has been charged with 35 counts of animal cruelty and code violations. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced the charges following a discovery in March, where over 300 animals were found living in unsanitary and inhumane conditions.
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Prosecutors allege De Anda operated Rock 'N' Pawz and neglected the animals in her care. Investigators from Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control reported that many of the animals were underweight or emaciated, with some exhibiting severe injuries that indicated long-term neglect. One cat was found dead from starvation and dehydration.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that De Anda failed in her fundamental responsibility as an animal rescuer, leading to the suffering and death of numerous animals due to untreated injuries and poor living conditions. Despite repeated citations and warnings from authorities, she allegedly continued to take in animals beyond her means to care for them.
De Anda faces 12 felony counts of animal cruelty, two felony counts of grand theft of labor, and 21 misdemeanor counts. The misdemeanor charges include three counts of animal cruelty, 12 code enforcement violations, and other related charges. If convicted, she could face up to 24 and a half years in state prison.