September 18, 2026: Lake Hughes Animal Rescue Operator Charged With 35 Counts...

September 18, 2026: Lake Hughes Animal Rescue Operator Charged With 35 Counts of Animal Cruelty and Code Violations

Over 300 animals were allegedly kept in inhumane and unsanitary conditions, including animals suffering from severe injuries and starvation

LANCASTER, Calif. — A 57-year-old Lake Hughes woman who operated animal rescue Rock ‘N’ Pawz was charged today with 35 felonies and misdemeanors after allegedly keeping more than 300 animals in inhumane and unsanitary conditions, including animals suffering from dehydration, severe injuries and starvation. She is also accused of violating multiple county codes, including operating an animal kennel without required land-use approval, maintaining unsanitary conditions and having structures with unpermitted construction, plumbing, electrical and grading work.

“For someone who calls herself an animal rescuer, there’s a fundamental responsibility to protect and care for the animals entrusted to her,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Instead, purported rescuer Christine De Anda allegedly left these animals to suffer or die from starvation, dehydration, untreated injuries and painful urine and fecal burns in filthy conditions. After repeated citations and warnings, Ms. De Anda continued taking in animals she could not care for, leaving hundreds to endure prolonged suffering. These animal victims cannot speak for themselves and look to us to protect them. My office will hold their victimizer fully accountable for her inhumane actions.”

Christine De Anda (dob 1/6/1969) is charged with 12 felony counts of cruelty to an animal, two felony counts of grand theft of labor and 21 misdemeanor counts, including three misdemeanor counts of cruelty to an animal in case 26AVCF01162.

The remaining misdemeanor charges include:

•Twelve counts of code enforcement violations •Two counts of failure to care for an animal •One count of failure to provide food and water •One count of injurious conditions •One count of unsanitary conditions in enclosures •One count of operating the kennel without a license

The case was filed for warrant. De Anda’s arraignment will be set for a later date at the Antelope Valley Courthouse. Prosecutors have requested her bail be set at $914,500.

Over several years, De Anda allegedly continued to take in an increasing number of animals — mainly dogs, but also cats, a pig, rabbit, goose and two goats — despite being unable to care for them.

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control had issued De Anda citations and warnings over several years concerning conditions at the property and the number of animals she was keeping. Despite those warnings, De Anda allegedly continued operating her rescue and taking in additional animals.

The animals were discovered on March 20, 2026, when Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control executed a search warrant at the property after it was signed by a judge. Numerous County agencies participated in the search. More than 300 animals were found on the Lake Hughes property amid filthy and unsanitary conditions, including animals with alleged severe injuries consistent with longstanding neglect. Many of the animals had low Purina Body Condition Scores, indicating low or emaciated body weight. One cat found deceased on the property had suffered starvation and dehydration, according to the investigation.

“This was the largest companion animal search warrant and rescue operation ever conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC),” DACC Director Marcia Mayeda said. “More than 300 animals were removed from severely inhumane conditions. Animals were living in and saturated with their own excrement, had serious untreated illnesses and injuries, were emaciated, and were forced to live in small crates without adequate room to properly lie comfortably. Our teams have worked tirelessly to stabilize them, provide the medical care they needed, and help them recover.

“Sadly, despite all efforts, we were unable to save every animal due to the extent of their illnesses and injuries. DACC is deeply grateful for the support of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, Pasadena Humane and Kern County Animal Services for assisting us with this rescue and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for its commitment to pursuing justice for these animals.”

If convicted as charged, De Anda faces up to 24.5 years in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jessica Palasik of the Antelope Valley Branch Office, a designated animal cruelty prosecutor, and Deputy District Attorney Nichol Walgren of the Environmental Crimes Division/Code Enforcement Section. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation.