San Diego, December 4, 2025
Christopher Settle, the owner of Angel Paws Pet Cremation in San Marcos, was arrested on charges of grand theft following an investigation into the unexpected closure of his business. This shutdown left many pet owners unable to retrieve their beloved pets’ remains. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. The incident has deeply affected the community, raising concerns about trust in pet services.
San Diego County Pet Cremation Business Owner Arrested
San Diego, CA – Christopher Settle, owner of Angel Paws Pet Cremation in San Marcos, was arrested on December 2, 2025, on charges of grand theft. The arrest follows an investigation into the abrupt closure of his business earlier this year, which left numerous pet owners without their pets’ remains.
Details of the Arrest
Detectives from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station apprehended Settle outside his residence in Temecula. He was taken into custody pursuant to a grand theft arrest warrant issued by a North County Superior Court Judge. Settle waived extradition and was transported to San Diego County, where he was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on the outstanding warrant. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Angel Paws Pet Cremation or who believes they may have been a victim of a financial crime to contact the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station at (760) 510-5200.
Background on Angel Paws Pet Cremation
Angel Paws Pet Cremation, located at 120 N. Pacific St. in San Marcos, ceased operations without prior notice on September 30, 2025. This sudden closure left many pet owners, including those from neighboring communities, in distress as they were unable to retrieve their pets’ remains. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the business in October 2025 as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding its closure. At that time, the business’s website was suspended, and the owner cited eviction as the reason for the shutdown, expressing intentions to return pets to their owners. However, many customers reported receiving no further communication or their pets’ remains. The Sheriff’s Office has been actively investigating the case, and the recent arrest of Settle is a significant development in the ongoing inquiry.
Impact on the Community
The abrupt closure of Angel Paws Pet Cremation has had a profound impact on the San Diego County community. Pet owners who entrusted the business with their beloved animals have faced emotional distress and uncertainty regarding the fate of their pets. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage individuals who may have been affected or have information pertinent to the investigation to come forward to assist in resolving this matter.
Related Incidents
This case is part of a broader pattern of incidents involving pet cremation and funeral services. For instance, in April 2025, the owner of a Pittsburgh-based funeral home was charged with deceiving over 6,500 pet owners who paid for burial services but received ashes from other animals. Similarly, in July 2025, a woman in Spring Valley was identified and charged after a dog was dragged behind a vehicle, leading to the animal’s euthanasia. These cases highlight the importance of transparency and trust in businesses handling the remains of beloved pets.
Conclusion
The arrest of Christopher Settle marks a significant step in addressing the grievances of pet owners affected by the closure of Angel Paws Pet Cremation. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for those impacted and are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the situation. Pet owners are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to pet services to local authorities.
FAQ
What led to the arrest of Christopher Settle?
Christopher Settle, owner of Angel Paws Pet Cremation in San Marcos, was arrested on December 2, 2025, on charges of grand theft. The arrest followed an investigation into the abrupt closure of his business earlier this year, which left numerous pet owners without their pets’ remains.
What happened to Angel Paws Pet Cremation?
Angel Paws Pet Cremation, located at 120 N. Pacific St. in San Marcos, ceased operations without prior notice on September 30, 2025. This sudden closure left many pet owners unable to retrieve their pets’ remains. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the business in October 2025 as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding its closure.
How can I report information related to this case?
If you have information related to Angel Paws Pet Cremation or believe you may have been a victim of a financial crime, contact the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station at (760) 510-5200.
Are there other similar incidents?
Yes, there have been other incidents involving pet cremation and funeral services. For example, in April 2025, the owner of a Pittsburgh-based funeral home was charged with deceiving over 6,500 pet owners who paid for burial services but received ashes from other animals. Similarly, in July 2025, a woman in Spring Valley was identified and charged after a dog was dragged behind a vehicle, leading to the animal’s euthanasia.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Arrest of Christopher Settle, owner of Angel Paws Pet Cremation, on grand theft charges. |
| Business Closure | Angel Paws Pet Cremation ceased operations on September 30, 2025, without prior notice to clients. |
| Investigation | San Diego Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the business in October 2025 as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. |
| Community Impact | Pet owners faced emotional distress and uncertainty regarding the fate of their pets due to the business’s sudden closure. |
| Related Incidents | Other cases include a Pittsburgh-based funeral home owner charged with deceiving over 6,500 pet owners and a woman in Spring Valley charged after a dog was dragged behind a vehicle. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
