California Rescue Operator Faces 35 Charges Over 300 Neglected Animals
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 20
California Rescue Operator Faces 35 Charges Over 300 Neglected Animals
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 20
Summary
Christine De Anda, 57, was charged with 35 felonies and misdemeanors after Los Angeles County investigators said roughly 300 animals at Rock 'N' Pawz were found starving, dehydrated and injured.
A March 20 search warrant led authorities to remove more than 300 animals from the Lake Hughes facility in what animal control called its largest companion-animal rescue operation ever.
Prosecutors said De Anda kept taking in animals despite years of citations and warnings; the case includes 12 felony cruelty counts, two felony grand-theft-of-labor counts and 21 misdemeanor charges.
At least one cat was found dead, prosecutors are seeking $914,500 bail, and De Anda could face up to 24 1/2 years in state prison if convicted.