Dogs and Cats Seized in Major L.A. County Animal Welfare Operation Amid Cruelty Investigation

Authorities in Los Angeles County carried out one of the largest animal seizures in recent history at a property in rural Lake Hughes on March 20, 2026. The operation targeted Rock N Pawz, an animal rescue run by Christine De Anda, following years of neighbor complaints about overwhelming odors, noise, and suspected neglect. Officials from the county’s Department of Animal Care and Control, working with the district attorney’s office, removed roughly 250 dogs and 66 cats. Investigators had initially expected to find as many as 700 animals. Rock N Pawz representatives alleged that some of the dogs suffered injuries during the seizure, claiming that workers dragged animals and mishandled them using choke poles. Videos posted on the rescue’s Instagram page show workers in protective suits taking the animals into transport trucks while onlookers protested their treatment. The rescue also stated that authorities confiscated a phone during the operation, preventing them from documenting the entire process. County officials did not respond to media inquiries on Saturday but said earlier that veterinary teams were inspecting and treating the animals. No criminal charges have been filed yet, and the investigation into possible animal cruelty and neglect remains ongoing. Due to the unprecedented scale of the rescue, county shelters are operating extended hours to accommodate the animals, with support from organizations such as Pasadena Humane, Kern County Animal Services, and spcaLA.