Overview
- Los Angeles County prosecutors filed 35 criminal counts on September 18, 2026 against 57-year-old Christine De Anda, including 12 felony animal-cruelty counts and two felony grand-theft-of-labor counts, and they will seek more than $900,000 in bail.
- County animal-control teams executed a March 2026 search warrant at the Rock N Pawz Rescue property and removed 233 dogs, 66 cats and several other animals in what officials called the largest companion-animal seizure in department history.
- Investigators documented extreme conditions on site, including overcrowded, feces-covered cages, animals with untreated open wounds and exposed bone, severe matting and air so ammonia-heavy responders wore respirators.
- The more than 300 seized animals are being held as evidence in county facilities and are receiving medical and behavioral care, with officials saying some animals will require lengthy rehabilitation before rehoming.
- LA County records show repeated citations and warnings to the rescue over several years, prosecutors say De Anda continued to accept animals and solicit donations while conditions worsened, and the case now raises questions about local oversight of small rescues as the criminal process moves forward.