UPDATE: In an alarming turn of events, authorities have arrested Christopher Settle, owner of Angel Paws Pet Cremation in San Marcos, for alleged grand theft related to a disturbing pet cremation scandal. Settle was taken into custody on a warrant issued by the North County Superior Court on December 5, 2023, following reports of unethical practices that have left grieving pet owners devastated.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Settle’s arrest outside his home in Temecula. He has since been released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 10. Investigators say Settle accepted payments for cremations but instead left pets in freezers to decompose, distributing false ashes to distraught clients.
The shocking revelations began to surface earlier this year when clients reported a lack of communication from Angel Paws and a foul odor emanating from the facility. Authorities revealed that the local power company had cut off gas and electricity to the crematory on July 9, leaving carcasses to rot for up to five months.
An affidavit obtained by the San Diego Union-Tribune indicated that Settle’s incinerator operating permit expired in March 2024. This lack of compliance has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of pets left in his care. As complaints mounted, former clients gathered outside the facility in late September, demanding answers.
Local cremation expert Gerry Wellman, owner of Sorrento Valley Pet Cemetery, described the scene inside Angel Paws as “grisly.” He recounted witnessing stacked, partially frozen animal bodies, saying, “It’s just a fiasco. These people were waiting for their loved ones’ ashes and got nothing.”
Wellman stepped in to assist affected families, receiving up to 15 calls a day from clients feeling defrauded. He detailed a heartbreaking situation where he was called to retrieve over 40 pets from Settle, discovering many in “deplorable” condition, some even infested with maggots.
One affected pet owner, Denise Parker, recounted her horrifying experience when she visited the crematory. “The smell was horrific,” she told CBS8. “There were bodies laying in the freezer. Little animals… not even bagged up.”
The community is urged to report any information regarding Angel Paws or their experiences to the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station at (760) 510-5200. As this case unfolds, it raises urgent questions about the oversight of pet cremation services and the emotional toll on families who trusted Angel Paws with their beloved pets.
This developing story highlights the need for accountability in pet care services, and it remains a topic of concern for many grieving owners. As the investigation continues, the impact on the community and the families affected will be felt for a long time.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge regarding this disturbing case.
