Couple sought for bail violations in animal cruelty case

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A woman who was arrested in Menifee on animal cruelty charges and her partner are being sought as fugitives on the run, according to a local animal control official.

Hanna Casterra and her partner, Philipp Durand, were originally sought by authorities in July 2023, when they were accused of mistreatment of a large group of dogs while living as squatters on the Wooden Nickel Ranch on Holland Road in Menifee. When Animal Control officers responded to a report, Casterra barricaded herself inside a small western-themed building, according to Animal Friends of the Valleys Chief Monique Middleton.

As reported by Menifee 24/7 here on July 21, 2023, Animal Control officers and Menifee Police Department officers discovered 15 dogs “in deplorable conditions -- chained in a feces-covered shed with no ventilation, no running water, or proper care,” according to an AFV news release. Casterra was arrested on 17 counts of animal cruelty. Durand had already fled the property, taking three horses and other animals.

Former Menifee City Councilman Tom Fuhrman, owner of the Wooden Nickel Ranch, said the couple had originally been welcome as guests but had later refused to pay rent or leave.

Durand and Casterra, who are French, promote themselves as animal rescuers under the name Wonder Earth Rescue. Using Facebook and a website, they solicit donations to help them take in and “rehabilitate” injured animals, who actually are horribly mistreated, Middleton said.

Durand was later arrested as well, and both were released on bail, with strict terms prohibiting animal ownership. However, they violated their bail conditions and acquired additional animals at a rural property in Lancaster. AFV secured a bail violation warrant and both were re-arrested on Oct. 7, 2024.

Middleton said the pair was released days later with orders to report to their probation officer while awaiting trial. They failed to show up, however, and haven’t been seen since. A no-bail warrant has been issued for Durand, while Casterra faces a $100,000 bail warrant.

"Our officers worked tirelessly for months to bring these animals to safety, some of which were so badly abused and neglected that they could not be saved," said Middleton. "This case highlights the importance of vigilance when supporting rescues. Always verify their legitimacy."

Middleton said that Durand and Casterra have tried multiple times to discredit Animal Friends of the Valley, reaching out to AFV supporters with false information, violating court orders.

"They’ve filed frivolous restraining orders and even accused our officers of trespass, all of which were dismissed by the courts," Middleton said. "We will not back down in our fight to protect animals from cruelty.

“They have this website and people send them money, thinking they are helping these poor animals. They have absolutely no source of income except the animals.”

Middleton urges the public to thoroughly vet animal rescues before donating or surrendering pets.

"Legitimate rescues will have a 501(c)(3) designation and be registered with the state," Middleton said.

Anyone with information about the fugitives' whereabouts is encouraged to contact AFV Animal Control immediately at 951-674-0618.