People v. Dianne Denise Bedford (Woofy Acres): Case Summary, Evidence, and the Feb 17, 2026 Court Hearing

This week, the criminal case People v. Dianne Denise Bedford (Case No. FVI25002174) returns to court.

Our goal with this post is straightforward: to present verified facts in one place and explain what the public can do to stay informed without jeopardizing the case.

Court date this week

Next court date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Rancho Cucamonga District, San Bernardino Superior Court, 8303 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Note: The court is closed Monday, February 16, 2026 for President’s Day. (San Bernardino Superior Court)
Court calendars can change, so verify the setting on the San Bernardino Superior Court case access portal by searching FVI25002174.

What the District Attorney has officially alleged

In a published filing announcement, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office states that:

The office filed misdemeanor and felony charges related to animal cruelty and neglect on July 11, 2025. (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
Bedford is alleged to have had 114 dogs on her property “without adequate food, water, or veterinary care,” and the case was investigated by San Bernardino County Animal Control. (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
The charge breakdown listed by the DA totals 37 counts:
- 7 felony counts, PC 597(b) (Cruelty to Animals)
- 9 misdemeanor counts, PC 597(b) (Cruelty to an Animal)
- 21 counts, PC 597.1(a) (Failure to Care for an Animal) (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
Bedford was arrested on August 7, 2025, and bail was set at $250,000, which the DA says she posted. (San Bernardino County District Attorney)

The DA also publicly posted a download link to the criminal complaint for this case number. (San Bernardino County District Attorney)

What our public-records review shows about the number of dogs

There has been confusion in public discussion about the total number of dogs connected to the 2024 seizure.

The DA’s public statement references 114 dogs. (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
Our most recent verified total, based on public records data (PRA #25-31735), is 116 dogs seized, and we have also publicly acknowledged that discrepancies have existed across sources and tallies.

We are continuing to publish documentation in an evidence-forward way, because precision matters in cruelty cases: the public deserves accuracy, and the dogs deserve a record that cannot be minimized.

The reported toll after the seizure

Local reporting has summarized the post-seizure toll as 97 dogs deceased (with most euthanized shortly after intake and additional deaths later), and 17 survivors. (Victor Valley News)

This is one of the most devastating parts of this case, and it is also why we keep returning to the same principle: the outcome should reflect the scale of harm supported by the evidence.

Timeline of key case milestones

July 18, 2024 (approx.): The DA’s materials reference alleged conduct “on or about” this period in connection with the 2024 seizure timeline.
July 11, 2025: Charges filed (per DA). (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
August 7, 2025: Arrest; $250,000 bail posted (per DA). (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
September 23, 2025: Arraignment previously scheduled at 8:30 a.m. (per DA). (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
January 6, 2026: A pre-prelim hearing occurred; some details have been shared by courtroom observers and should be treated as tentative until reflected in minute orders or updated filings.
February 17, 2026: Next setting (subject to change), Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse, and currently set for 8:30 a.m.

Evidence and Records

This case has public documents and public records that anyone can review. Our evidence work focuses on organizing those records so the story stays factual and cannot be hand-waved away.

Nonprofit filings (public records)

The organization’s IRS filings are public, and we use them as part of our documentation process.

Woofy Acres Inc (EIN 81-4761064) IRS Form 990/990-EZ filings are available through Nonprofit Explorer, including filing dates across multiple years. (ProPublica)

California charity registry tools (public records)

We also rely on the California DOJ’s Registry of Charities & Fundraisers tools and definitions so the public can independently verify registry information and filings. (rct.doj.ca.gov)

Evidence Page

What we are asking for, plainly

We are asking decision-makers to pursue outcomes to the fullest extent supported by the evidence, including:

Accountability that reflects the scale of harm documented in records (not just a narrow snapshot).
Meaningful, enforceable restrictions and post-conviction safeguards where the law allows.
Transparent handling of the case process so the public record is not reduced to a footnote.

How to help (without harming the case)

Show up to court if you can (quietly, respectfully). Public observation matters. (San Bernardino Superior Court)
Share verified information, not rumors. Stick to the DA’s posted statements and documented records. (San Bernardino County District Attorney)
Send respectful, factual messages to the appropriate agencies (do not contact the judge). Our prior posts include action tools and templates. (Beezys Rescue)
Support legitimate rescue and shelter work in your community. Cruelty cases create long-tail medical and behavioral fallout for survivors and overwhelm already-crowded systems.

SEND OUR NEW EMAIL TO THE DA, or copy and paste your own version (below)

To: assemblymember.harabedian@assembly.ca.gov, Mayor@SBCity.org; da@sbcda.org; dploghaus@sbcda.org; christy.hamrick@dph.sbcounty.gov; publicaffairs@sbcda.org; cob@sbcounty.gov; Supervisor.Armendarez@bos.sbcounty.gov; Supervisor.Rowe@bos.sbcounty.gov; supervisor.hagman@bos.sbcounty.gov; Supervisor.Baca@bos.sbcounty.gov; Supervisor.Cook@bos.sbcounty.gov; mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org; enforcement.brn@dca.ca.gov; Bilal.Essayli@usdoj.gov

Dear District Attorney Anderson, Deputy District Attorney Ploghaus, Mayor Tran, Mayor Bass, Members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, and relevant agency partners,

I am writing in advance of the next court date in People v. Dianne Denise Bedford (FVI25002174), currently scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Community members are asking for full accountability and a resolution that reflects the scale of harm in this case.

Case Background:
• The San Bernardino County District Attorney has alleged that 114 dogs were on the Piñon Hills property without adequate care and has filed 37 total counts: 7 felony counts under PC 597(b), 9 misdemeanor counts under PC 597(b), and 21 counts under PC 597.1(a).
• Local reporting has described the post-seizure outcome as catastrophic, with advocates reporting that 94 of the 114 dogs were euthanized.
• There is additional reporting of earlier, separate incidents tied to Woofy Acres operations, including dogs abandoned at a boarding facility in Los Angeles County in early 2024.

Community members are deeply concerned that a plea or disposition could be presented without meaningful conferral with victims, donors, rescuers, and other impacted witnesses. This case has broader public safety implications for San Bernardino County. We do not want this county to become a dumping ground for defunct or abusive rescue operations. Rescue fraud and neglect are systemic problems, and the outcome here will set a precedent.

We respectfully request the following:
• Prosecute to the fullest extent supported by the evidence, with no misdemeanor-only resolution where felony evidence supports felony accountability.
• Meaningful victim and witness conferral before any plea is entered, including advance notice of proposed terms for impacted parties who wish to be heard.
• Restitution and cost recovery to the fullest extent permitted by law, including forfeiture, restitution, and recovery of public and rescue care costs.
• Maximum animal ownership and care prohibition under California law, with clear, enforceable terms and compliance checks.
• Inter-agency coordination to prevent repeat harm, including coordination with appropriate oversight entities (including charity oversight) where relevant.

Because Ms. Bedford is a licensed nurse practitioner, we are copying the Board of Registered Nursing Enforcement Program to ensure the appropriate public-safety review occurs through the proper channels.

Thank you for your time and public service. The community is watching closely, and many people stand ready to assist your offices in pursuing a just outcome that reflects the scale of harm in this case.

Respectfully,

[Your Full Name]
[City, State]
[Phone, optional]
[Email, optional]

Recent coverage (links):
• FOX 11 Los Angeles (Feb 10, 2026): https://www.foxla.com/news/nearly-100-dogs-seized-from-california-animal-shelter-euthanized-rescuers-warn-suspect-may-get-probation
• FOX 11 Los Angeles video segment (Feb 10, 2026): https://www.foxla.com/video/fmc-wyxqgvztc37tn4fo
• Kinship (Feb 11, 2026): https://www.kinship.com/news/93-dogs-euthanized-suspect-minimal-punishment
• San Bernardino County District Attorney (Aug 13, 2025): https://da.sbcounty.gov/2025/08/13/pinon-hills-woman-charged-with-animal-cruelty/
• DogTime (Feb 26, 2024): https://dogtime.com/news/141566-31-abandoned-dogs-la-county-euthanized