Overview
- San Diego Humane Society says it removed 446 cats, about 165 horses, 30 dogs, and dozens of other animals from Villa Chardonnay in Julian after a judge transferred ownership.
- Medical teams report widespread malnutrition, open wounds, and contagious infections, and they euthanized four horses, a pony, a bull, and one kitten to prevent further suffering.
- The Humane Farming Association says a yearlong probe and a court-approved inspection found neglect, and it plans to move recovered farm animals to its Elk Creek ranch for lifetime care.
- A spokeswoman for the sanctuary disputes the allegations and says the founders cared for the animals and are devastated by the seizure.
- SDHS is triaging animals with help from partner shelters and is processing nearly 100 ownership claims from people who say their animals were boarded there.