"Angel Paws Pet Cremation appeared to be a nondescript San Marcos business, where grieving clients brought in their dearly departed pets - until they stopped getting their calls returned, and the building began to smell. Angel Paws owner Christopher Settle was arrested Tuesday for alleged grand theft, in a scheme prosecutors say involved taking in pets for cremations, collecting the payment, and leaving them in freezers to rot as he distributed false ashes."
"Officials say that the local power company had cut off the gas and electricity due to missed payments since July 9, which would have left the carcasses decomposing for up to five months before Settle's eviction in November. An affidavit in support of the arrest warrant, obtained by the San Diego Union-Tribune, said Settle's incinerator operating permit expired in March 2024."
""It's just a fiasco," said Wellman, who learned of the initial scene firsthand from clients."
Angel Paws Pet Cremation allegedly accepted payments to cremate pets but failed to perform cremations, leaving animal remains in freezers and distributing false ashes. Owner Christopher Settle was arrested on a grand theft warrant and released on bond pending a December court date. Clients reported unanswered calls and foul odors at the facility. Utility shutoffs for missed payments reportedly began July 9, potentially leaving carcasses to decompose for months before eviction in November. An affidavit noted an expired incinerator operating permit in March 2024. Deputies and local cremation personnel observed stacked, partially frozen pet bodies at the premises.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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