California Animal Rescue Operator Faces 35 Charges for Alleged Cruelty and Neglect

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged De Anda with 12 felony counts of animal cruelty, two felony counts of grand theft of labor, and 21 misdemeanors, including failure to provide adequate care and operating an unlicensed kennel. Bail has been requested at $914,500 ahead of her arraignment at the Antelope Valley Courthouse.

According to prosecutors, many of the animals were found in inhumane and unsanitary conditions. This included suffering from severe injuries, dehydration, and starvation. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated that De Anda failed to fulfill her responsibility as an animal rescuer, leading to unnecessary suffering and even death for these animals.

The charges arose from a March 20, 2026, operation by Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (DACC), which resulted in the rescue of over 300 animals, including dogs, cats, a pig, a rabbit, a goose, and two goats. DACC Director Marcia Mayeda described this operation as the largest animal rescue in the department’s history.

Investigators confirmed that many animals were living in their own excrement and suffered from untreated illnesses. Some were found emaciated and cramped in small crates, lacking space to lie comfortably. At least one cat was found dead due to starvation and dehydration.

Authorities indicated that despite previous warnings and citations regarding her care practices, De Anda continued to take in more animals than she could support. She faces accusations of violating several county codes, including operating an animal kennel without the necessary approvals and maintaining unsanitary conditions. Mayeda expressed gratitude to various animal welfare organizations for assisting in the rescue efforts.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has released a video showing conditions at the shelter, highlighting the need for accountability to protect these vulnerable animals.