300 Animals Rescued From Lake Hughes Property in One of L.A. County's Largest Animal Welfare Cases

One of the largest animal rescue operations of its kind is underway after authorities recovered roughly 300 dogs and cats from a Lake Hughes property Friday, following years of neighbor complaints about what officials are calling neglectful conditions.

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control served a search warrant at the rural property, which records show is owned by Christine De Anda, also listed as the head of a nonprofit called Rock N Pawz Rescue. Neighbors say they've been dealing with the situation for years. "We have a small, quiet community," said Susan Zahnter. "It has caused conflict between us and our neighbor." Zahnter says the signs were hard to miss. "We have not only listened to them, we have smelled them. There's no septic system on the property for the kennel."

Inside, conditions were severe. Director Marcia Mayeda of L.A. County Animal Care and Control described the scene as "very filthy," with animals confined to crates, limited access to water, and unsanitary conditions throughout. Staff had to wear respirators and hazmat suits to enter the property. Mayeda called it plainly: "It was a hoarding situation." Neighbors also noted De Anda had been running an unlicensed kennel in an area not zoned for kennels for at least three years.

The department prepared for over a week ahead of the operation, moving animals out of its care centers to partner sheltering agencies to make room. Mayeda warned the influx will "create population pressure on our ability to keep them," and is urging the public to adopt now. All seven animal care centers, from Agoura to Palmdale, will open Sunday for adoptions.

No arrests have been made at this time. For neighbors, the rescue is long overdue. "I want to see the kennel gone," Zahnter said. "I want to see the property cleaned up."