Angels Camp, CA…On 07/04/17 the Angels Camp PD became aware of an incident that occurred at the “Pet Bath House” in Angels Camp. An owner of three dogs that were boarded there reported that he believed that his dogs were illegally killed, while they were boarded at the business. The victim related the following information.

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After the Butte Fire the victim was displaced when he lost his home. He boarded his three dogs at a facility in Valley Springs, where they remained for approximately 18 months. He visited them on a regular basis and was advised recently, in mid-June, that he would have to find another facility to board them, as they were showing signs of kennel stress. They were temporarily housed with County Animal Services until they were eventually placed at the “Pet Bath House” on 06/21/17. The victim paid for the stay in advance. On 06/29/17 the victim received a telephone call from the owner of the “Pet Bath House,” Hughes, who advised that the dogs got loose while in her care and became involved in a dog fight with another boarded dog. Hughes asked the victim to compensate her for the related vet bill as a result of the dog fight that occurred, which the victim did. On 07/01/17 the victim was advised that a second incident occurred, where the victim’s dogs reportedly became involved in another dog fight, causing injuries to other dogs and Hughes as well. On 07/02/17 Hughes notified the victim that his three dogs were “put down,” due to their aggressive behavior, and indicated to the victim that the police department was involved in the matter. It should be noted that the police department became aware of this incident on 07/04/17, when the victim reported to police that his dogs were illegally “put down.”

Once the information was reported to the Angels Camp Police, an investigation began, and it was discovered that the owner of the “Pet Bath House,” Hughes, provided false information to County Animal Services regarding the status of the dogs and the severity of her alleged injuries. Hughes initially reported to County Animal Services that the dogs in question had been relinquished to the care and custody of their owner, and she was deceptive in reporting the severity of the injuries she sustained while breaking up one of the dog fights.

Hughes initially advised police that the dogs had been turned loose. It was later discovered that she made arrangements for a third party to “take care” of the dogs. The third party involved has been identified, and so far is uncooperative in this investigation. To date it is unknown the status or location of the dogs, and it has not been confirmed if they are alive or dead. The investigating officer believes that the three dogs have been feloniously killed, and is attempting to gather information to confirm this.

On 07/08/17, Vonna Hughes, a 68 year old Angels Camp resident, was arrested and booked into the Calaveras County Jail on multiple charges related to animal cruelty, animal neglect, theft of an animal and conspiracy. The investigation is ongoing.