BAKERSFIELD, Calif KBAK/KBFX — WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT. Reader discretion is advised.
A dog rescue owner was arrested in California City for alleged animal cruelty after more than 50 dogs were found neglected and malnourished. The arrest comes as an animal advocate’s tip sparked the investigation. The advocate spoke exclusively to Eyewitness News.
A house of horrors, some have called it. The home on 94th Street was an animal rescue in California City that housed over 50 dogs, just to be found neglected and malnourished. With a tip, on Friday, California City police and animal control put an end to the nightmare.
More than two decades ago, Cassandra Mann’s beloved dog, Gizmo, needed a routine vet visit—an ordinary moment that would spark an extraordinary mission. That day, as she sat in the exam room, she had no idea that a simple conversation with her veterinarian would change countless lives. Mann launched Saving Gizmo’s Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to covering medical expenses for rescue animals in dire need.
Fast forward to January of 2025: Amanda Glover, a dedicated animal advocate, was on a routine drive, moving two dogs from Pawfect Companions, an animal rescue in California City. When she arrived at the home of LaQuenta Reynolds, something felt off. The dogs looked sick. Their eyes pleaded for help.
Amanda reached out to Cassandra Mann with concerns and Cassandra noticed Amanda Glover was distraught. Glover told her that she believes there was mistreatment going on at the rescue.
“She sent me the pictures, and I said, ‘Oh my God,’” said Mann. “You need to get them to the vet right away.” She got to the vet, and that’s where they were hospitalized and being treated.”
Mann called the local animal patrol in California City. An officer went to the Pawfect Companions’ property and saw dogs but nothing that was initially concerning.
The Animal Control officer was unable to speak to Eyewitness News because of the ongoing investigation.
A few weeks passed and Amanda said there were three more dogs in bad condition. Mann called the ASPCA but they wouldn’t be able to help for a few weeks.
“I said, ‘Listen, this is the thing. I think there’s a lot of dogs on this property,’” said Mann. “They are starving. I don’t know this woman. I’m hearing little bits. I do know she has a lot of dogs. He said, ‘You’re going to take them on, even if there’s 30?’ I said, ‘I will take them on.’ But you need to go in the garage.”
The officer returned to the home in early January. Inside the garage was a scene straight out of a nightmare. What he found was 23 malnourished and neglected dogs.
California City Police Department released additional details on the investigation.
CCPD said in early January, officers arrived and Reynolds allowed access to her garage. The dogs were being kept in metal dog crates with several of them allegedly appearing emaciated and having apparent wounds on their extremities, according to CCPD. The dogs were taken out of the home and five of them were taken for emergency veterinarian care.
Officers arrived and Reynolds allowed access to her garage. An officer told Eyewitness News 23 dogs were being kept in metal dog crates with several of them allegedly appearing emaciated and having apparent wounds on their extremities.
The officer gave LaQuenta Reynolds two choices: Relinquish every single dog in this garage to the rescue, or the ASPCA will seize them all—and/or she will face criminal charges.
Reynolds surrendered 23 dogs. But held onto her own personal dogs, which tallied 33 more.
Police said the dogs were taken out of the home and five of them were taken for emergency veterinarian care. Police said it was determined that the animals were suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and open infected wounds with bacterial and fungal infections.
CCPD said it was also determined after a thorough investigation that the animals were allowed to fall into poor condition while under the care of Reynolds and their conditions were due to her neglecting them and allowing them to needlessly suffer while not providing adequate food or water.
“I said, Brian, you’ve got to file criminal charges,” said Mann. “And I believe that’s what they’re doing with the DA is they’re trying to file criminal charges, because she basically told him after that, you won’t be allowed to come back on my property without a warrant. So, at this point, there’s nothing to be done except wait for them to get the warrant so that they can go in and just confiscate all her dogs.”
She reached out to a few rescue partners to take some dogs. As the dogs required a lot of medical attention, Saving Gizmo’s Friends has been covering all the medical costs.
In a release, police said based on these facts and new findings a search warrant was sought and granted. California City Police Department officers along with Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and the Fire Department responded and executed the warrant on Friday, January 31.
On Friday, the California City Police and Animal Control successfully arrested LaQuenta Reynolds.
33 additional dogs were seized from bedrooms, common areas, and closets in the home.
The 33 seized dogs were not in grave condition and were sent to other approved and safe animal rescues in California.
She faces charges related to animal cruelty and was taken to Lerdo Jail.
In a release, it said, “The California City Police Department takes crimes against animals very seriously, and we will not hesitate to hold anyone accountable for animal cruelty in California City.”
As for the 59 dogs who made it out, their battle is just beginning. will need urgent medical care.
Marley’s Mutts in Tehachapi is housing six dogs. Executive Director, Dr. Melissa Branson has limited space at her facility but is making it work.
“It’s really difficult when someone calls themselves a rescue to find out that they’re starving dogs because they’re dogs that have medical issues,” said Dr. Brunson. “It’s a reminder to everyone to really check into who they’re getting dogs from. It’s a reminder to neighbors and neighborhoods, to really pay attention to what’s going on in the homes next to them.”
Among the survivors was Scooby. Through Saving Gizmo’s Friends, Scooby was one of the first dogs to receive attention. A day before Reynold’s arrest, Scooby was brought to Marley’s Mutts for adoption.
“We had a transporter bring us Scooby, so we actually have him here with us” said Dr. Brunson. “Sweet boy, very timid. It’s just an unfortunate situation.”
Saving Gizmo’s Friends, Cassandra Mann and her team have given the dogs a chance at a new life.
Mann said the remaining dogs need urgent veterinary care, rehabilitation, and a chance to heal from their trauma. Saving Gizmo’s Friends is shouldering the medical cost. They said donations are needed to help continue with their care and boarding costs.
Those interested in donating to help can by visiting the Saving Gizmo’s Friends website here.
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