San Diego County’s Department Faces Legal Issues After a Horse Dies Under Neglecting Environment

A legal battle is underway as an animal rights organization takes legal action against the Department of Animal Services. This incident took place in San Diego County. The group, known as the Los Angeles Alliance for Animals, is pursuing access to records. Those are linked to allegations of neglect involving a group of horses.

Some of them were reportedly subjected to dire conditions and inadequate care on a property in Rancho Santa Fe earlier this year. The heart of the matter centres on an investigation carried out in March. The Department of Animal Services received multiple complaints about the welfare of horses located on a ranch along Artesian Road. Disturbingly, around 40 to 50 horses were said to be enduring substandard conditions at this site. Tragically, one elderly horse was discovered in a distressing state, immobilized in mud. Regrettably, before the animal could be euthanized, it succumbed.

Negligence leading to the demise

The animal rights nonprofit alleges that an animal control officer responded to the distress call. Regrettably, he did not promptly proceed with euthanizing the suffering horse. This resulted in an extended period of agony for the elderly mare. A bystander, reportedly a veterinarian, offered assistance which was declined. This situation caused what the organization claims to be prolonged suffering for the horse.

Seeking transparency and accountability, the nonprofit is pursuing access to the necropsy report for the deceased horse, as well as other documents about public grievances regarding the treatment of horses at the Artesian Road property. However, the Department of Animal Services has not yet received the lawsuit and thus refrains from making any official comments on the matter.

The legal proceedings

The nonprofit contends that their requests made under the California Public Records Act, submitted in April, have thus far gone unanswered. Earlier this year, the department had communicated that ongoing discussions were being held with the property owner’s private veterinarian concerning the care of the animals on the premises.

In April, animal advocates revealed distressing observations of horses residing in squalid conditions without shelter. The animals were noted to have hooves caked in waste, and some were visibly emaciated due to inadequate nourishment.

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The alarm was raised regarding the alleged mistreatment on March 17th. Subsequently, investigators engaged with the property owner and her veterinarian on eight separate occasions. Notably, the property owners possess valid and longstanding licenses issued by the California Horse Racing Board. The board issued a statement outlining their stance, clarifying that the horses in question were not located at a facility under their jurisdiction. They affirmed their reliance on the relevant agencies, namely the San Diego County Sheriff and Animal Services, to conclude their investigations, following which the board will assess if any violations of their regulations have occurred and proceed accordingly.

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