Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2026

CONTACT: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Following Rescue of More Than 300 Animals from Lake Hughes Property in March

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) thanks the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing multiple criminal charges against Christine De Anda, operator of Rock N’ Pawz animal rescue, following DACC’s large-scale rescue of more than 300 animals from her Lake Hughes property earlier this year.

On March 20, 2026, DACC served a search warrant at De Anda’s property after receiving reports of animals living in deplorable conditions. During the operation officers discovered animals confined in crates fouled with excrement, along with emaciated, ill, and injured animals who were not receiving necessary medical treatment and care. More than 300 animals were seized, including one dead cat, the largest domestic animal seizure in DACC’s history.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged De Anda with 35 felony and misdemeanor counts, including twelve felony and three misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, and misdemeanor violations of Los Angeles County Code Section 10.40.010 for failing to provide care for an animal, failing to provide food and water, injurious conditions, unsanitary conditions, and operating an animal facility without a license. Other charges include two felony counts of grand theft of labor and 12 misdemeanor counts of code enforcement violations.

Prior to the warrant service, DACC issued multiple warnings and citations to De Anda regarding deteriorating conditions at Rock N’ Pawz. Despite repeated orders from DACC to correct violations, De Anda continued to take in additional animals far beyond her capacity to provide care, leading to widespread animal abuse and neglect.

“Ms. De Anda willingly accumulated more animals than she could safely and humanely care for and allowed them to suffer,” said Director Marcia Mayeda. “When conditions deteriorate to the point that animals suffer and die, decisive action is necessary. We commend District Attorney Nathan Hochman for his commitment to holding Ms. De Anda accountable for her actions.”

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation has provided essential medical, nutritional, and grooming support to treat and rehabilitate the animals. Many have long-standing medical issues and require ongoing care. They will not be available for adoption until released by the court.

“The conditions these animals allegedly endured are horrifying and unacceptable,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Animal cruelty has no place in our communities. Anyone entrusted with the care of animals has a responsibility to protect their health and well-being. When that trust is violated, there must be accountability.”

“Today, Los Angeles County is taking action to protect animals from the kind of cruelty, neglect and deplorable conditions uncovered in this case,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “When operations take in far mare animals than they can properly care for, the consequences can be devastating. No animal should be subjected to these conditions. I am grateful to our Department of Animal Care and Control, District Attorney, as well as the animal control officers and many responders who acted swiftly to rescue these animals and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov  or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).  To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/.  To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.

About the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit charity with the highest ratings from Charity Navigator and Candid.  It supports the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control through fundraising which supports spay and neuter programs, pet adoptions, public education, disaster response, and animal welfare. Many of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have enabled the DACC to enhance the care given to animals in the County animal care centers. To learn more, visit https://lacountyanimals.org.