Photo: Vonna Faye Hughes
ANGELS CAMP -A pet grooming business by the name of Pet Bath House used to operate in Angels Camp. Then the owner, 70-year-old Vonna Faye Hughes, got into trouble with the law and faced a trial for grand theft and animal cruelty.
The charges stemmed from an incident in 2017 when Hughes billed Steven Mendoza for the boarding of his two dogs, even after they were no longer in her care.
After the Butte Fire in 2017, Mendoza put his dogs up at the Pet Bath House. Two of his dogs were later found in different parts of the county. His third dog, CiCi, was found dead in a trash bag.
One day before Hughes’ trial was set to begin, she pleaded no contest to felony animal cruelty on April 2nd.
Hughes faces three years of probation and could also serve up to 60 days in county jail. She will also be prohibited from any job that works with animals.
She will also pay $2,125 in fees and restitution to Mendoza.
