Palisades Fire Suspect Should Be Charged With Cruelty-to-Animals, PETA Says

For Immediate Release:
October 20, 2025

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Today, PETA sent a letter to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, urging him to bring cruelty-to-animals charges against Jonathan Rinderknecht, who already faces several federal charges—including malicious destruction by means of a fire—in connection with the devastating Palisades Fire, which scorched more than 23,000 acres of land earlier this year.

PETA points out that, in addition to killing 12 people and destroying nearly 7,000 homes and other structures, this fire—like all catastrophic wildfires—inflicted terror and suffering on an untold number of domesticated and wild animals, causing them to suffer prolonged, agonizing deaths. In one example, the dog, canary, turtle, and parrot companions of one of the fire’s human victims—who reportedly stayed behind during evacuations to be with them—apparently also perished. Local veterinarians also treated many animals suffering from smoke inhalation, burns, and other painful injuries.

“Countless wild and domestic animals suffered unimaginable fear and pain due to the horrific Palisades Fire, including a rabbit who died among the debris, and a cat named Ridges whose painful burns required his damaged skin to be surgically removed,” says PETA Vice President Daniel Paden. “PETA is asking District Attorney Hochman to hold the perpetrator accountable for the suffering endured by so many.”

Prosecutors in Monterey County and Oregon have pursued cruelty-to-animals charges after PETA sent them similar requests, and won convictions. PETA reminds everyone to never leave animals behind during emergencies and offers tips to ensure the safety of all family members.  

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.