Nearly 100 dogs seized from California animal shelter euthanized; Rescuers warn suspect may get probation

Animal cruelty case may end with probation

A hoarding case ended with nearly 100 dogs being euthanized. The woman at the center of the animal cruelty case may be back on the streets if she goes on probation.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. - Animal rescue advocates are sounding the alarm over what they describe as one of the most severe animal cruelty cases they have ever seen and the possibility that the woman accused could avoid jail time.

What they're saying:

"This was the worst case I’ve ever seen," said Shira Scott Astrof, founder of the Animal Rescue Mission.

Authorities discovered the case in 2024 at a property in Pinon Hills, where 114 dogs were seized from the nonprofit Woofy Acres Adoptions. According to rescuers and investigators, at least 94 of those dogs were suffering so severely they had to be euthanized.

"She put them in hot boxes and let them starve to death," Scott Astrof said. "When they were rescued, most of them were skin and bones, just barely alive, and that’s why euthanasia was the only humane option."

Scott Astrof is now among several animal rescuers warning that the woman at the center of the case, Dianne Denise Bedford, founder of Woofy Acres Adoptions, could face minimal consequences. Bedford, who is also a registered nurse, has been charged with 37 criminal counts, including seven felony counts of animal cruelty. However, Scott Astrof says the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is considering a plea deal.

According to Scott Astrof, prosecutors are concerned the defense may argue the case stems from mental-health-related animal hoarding rather than intentional cruelty, a characterization she strongly disputes.

"She went to shelters pretending to rescue these dogs, collected money and didn’t provide care," Scott Astrof said. "This was not accidental."

Scott Astrof says prosecutors have indicated they may attempt to keep just one felony animal cruelty charge, which under California law could result in probation rather than jail time. She said, "You’d think we’d have all these animal laws. We don’t. Basically, that carries probation at best."

Legal experts say the case may not stop at animal cruelty charges. Former prosecutor and legal analyst Mary David says Bedford could face additional scrutiny beyond the current charges, including possible fraud or tax-related violations. She said, "If this is someone who had a nonprofit and was taking donations but was not stewarding that in a way that supported the care of these animals, that is something that could come out."

Scott Astrof says the loss of 94 dogs alone should prevent the case from being quietly resolved. "The fact that 94 dogs had to be immediately euthanized makes this the worst animal cruelty case I’ve ever seen," she said.

Scott Astrof is urging the public to contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and demand accountability. A pre-preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17 at the Rancho Cucamonga courthouse.

The other side:

The District Attorney's Office sent FOX 11 the following statement, "While we are aware of recent discussions online about potential plea negotiations, those conversations are part of standard pre-trial procedure between attorneys and do not represent an outcome. Our Office cannot comment further while litigation is ongoing to protect the integrity of the case and any future jury process.

We deeply appreciate the concern and advocacy from our community regarding animal welfare. Sentencing in any case must follow the law as it currently stands, and we recognize that many feel those laws do not go far enough. Our Animal Cruelty Unit shares the hope that, with continued partnership from animal advocates, meaningful legislative changes can strengthen penalties, accountability and improve animal protections."