The home in Fawnskin in the San Bernardino Mountains where 50 dogs were seized on June 1, 2024, is seen on June 4. The owner of the dogs was cited on suspicion of animal cruelty. A separate investigation resulted in a child cruelty charge being filed against the woman.
“This is devastating to me,” Stawarz said. “I’m fighting back tears right now, that’s how catastrophic this is. Lives are going to be lost because of this. An animal being euthanized hurts me. That’s why I am taking this so hard.” That night, deputies returned to investigate the health of the daughter. They summoned firefighters, who sent the girl to a hospital.Crime and Public Safety |“Doctors from Bear Valley Community Hospital treated the child’s neglected wounds and released her from care,” the Sheriff’s Department said.Three children were removed from the home and placed with Child & Family Services. The woman was arrested and on June 1 was charged with one count of willful child cruelty, a misdemeanor.
Based on her experiences, Stawarz said, animal hoarders who get in over their heads begin with good intentions but get undone by various problems.