Two Joshua Tree women were cited and released after Sheriff’s deputies found them, an 18-month-old child, and one other adult living with more than 100 animals at the home.
Sheriff’s deputies went to a home in the 3900 block of Stonehill Avenue about 11:30 a.m. for a civil disturbance between roommates. Deputies found 20 to 30 cats in the main living area, as well as cages and animal feces. Deputies contacted the county’s animal control officer and Child and Family Services. Although the child appeared healthy, her mother, Valaria Schultz, 20, was cited and released at the scene for child endangerment.
Child and Family Services provided a safety plan to get the child to a safe and healthy environment, and the woman and child have since moved out of the home. Animal Control issued eight administrative citations to Jessica Gregory, who runs Moonlight Animal Rescue, for county code violations. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
