The owner of a Morongo Valley rescue organization for senior, abandoned, or abused dogs was arrested Monday, accused of animal neglect. In June, San Bernardino County animal control officers seized 180 dogs and cats from Stephen Caro, 60, who ran the Paws Pet Ranch, at 9333 Bella Vista Drive in Morongo Valley. Animal control officers found the body of one dog who had been chained up outside without water or shade, and many of the other animals in his care were emaciated, injured, infested with parasites, and missing fur. Several of the animals belonged to other people. Dozens of the dogs and cats have been released to area animal shelters for adoption; however, 10 dogs and two cats had to be euthanized. Stephen Caro was charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty, booked at the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $250,000. District Attorney Mike Ramos said, “This is a situation in which the defendant misled the public into thinking the money they were donating was being used to care for the dogs at his pet rescue. Unfortunately, the conditions the animals were forced to live in were absolutely deplorable.”
