Case of the Disappearing Horse

Media
Aug 7
2 min read

This is a strange story, for sure.

County Animal Services and the District Attorney’s Office are working on an animal welfare case that involves horses in Rancho Santa Fe.

On Tuesday evening, the County Animal Services received a report, including a photograph of an emaciated horse at a property in the 7600 block of Artesian Road in Rancho Santa Fe. An Animal Services Officer was immediately dispatched and confirmed that the horse pictured was on the property.

Animal Services contacted the veterinarian responsible for the health of the animals on that property. The veterinarian informed staff that she intended to euthanize two elderly horses the previous day but lacked the equipment necessary to remove the remains and was concerned about potential wildlife disturbance. She reported that she would return to the property Wednesday morning to perform the euthanasia and agreed to meet County Animal Services at 9 a.m.

Animal Services Officers arrived at the property at approximately 8:10 a.m. to ensure they were able to witness the scheduled euthanasia. At approximately 9:15 a.m., the veterinarian called Animal Services to report she had an emergency and had the horse removed before the officers had arrived.

When Animal Services Officers requested documentation confirming the horse had been euthanized, the veterinarian declined to provide it.

County Animal Services has since issued a formal 121 Notice of Pre-Impoundment to the owner, requiring verifiable proof of veterinary care or humane euthanasia within 48 hours or risk facing criminal charges.

In addition, County Animal Services is working with the District Attorney’s Office to investigate the current location and condition of the removed horse, determine whether humane care was provided, and assess the welfare of the second horse that remains on the property.

This is an open and ongoing investigation.