Nearly seven weeks after the San Diego Humane Society executed a massive rescue operation at a Julian sanctuary, the organization reported Wednesday that 107 horses remain at the 41-acre Villa Chardonnay site, receiving daily care from staff and volunteers. The rescue, which began on May 1, involved the seizure of 728 animals—including cats, dogs, and farm animals—making it the largest in the local Humane Society's history.
The ongoing effort is expensive and labor-intensive. Veterinary care for the horses includes dental work, hoof care, diagnostic testing, and treatment for chronic conditions.
About half of the horses have received such care, with more work planned. "Our team has made incredible progress, but the work isn't finished," said San Diego Humane Society President and CEO Gary Weitzman in a statement.
"Many of these horses are seniors with significant medical needs and they deserve the time, attention and resources necessary to help them recover and move on to brighter futures."
Villa Chardonnay Horses with Wings, a nonprofit sanctuary for elderly, sick, or disabled animals, was the site of the seizure. Authorities alleged evidence of severe neglect, including emaciation, untreated injuries, and lack of basic care.
The sanctuary's founder, Monika Kerber Perez, has previously denied mistreatment but did not respond to a request for comment. Judith Mendez-Leon, newly associated with Villa Chardonnay, said Thursday that the organization is fighting back, challenging the seizure and other aspects of the case.
Villa Chardonnay filed for bankruptcy last year, and a trustee is seeking court approval to sell the property, valued between $2.5 million and $3.6 million, to pay creditors.
The Humane Society has raised and spent over $550,000 on emergency response efforts, primarily for Julian, with costs continuing at about $50,000 per week. Feeding the horses requires 400 pounds of pellets daily, with underweight horses eating three times a day, and 60 bales of hay (100 pounds each) distributed every other day.
Staffers drive up to two hours daily to reach the site. Photos show caretakers feeding, grooming, and caring for the horses, many of which were initially marked with numbers for identification; most have since been microchipped and named.
Among the horses is Oscar, who has Cushing's disease and swayback. Initially, 20 horses were too skittish for rescuers to approach; staff have gained the trust of 15, with five still avoiding contact.
Round-the-clock security remains in place as the investigation continues. Once ready, horses will be relocated to adopters or other rescues.
One horse tested positive for equine Strangles, a contagious bacterial disease, leading to quarantine; 11 horses have tested negative.
Of the 446 cats rescued, plus two kittens born later, 305 have been adopted, including 269 through the "working cat program" for under-socialized cats. Another 84 cats have been transferred to other agencies, with 65 flown to Texas.
Eight cats have died, and the rest remain with the Humane Society. Of the 30 dogs rescued, 14 remain in care, including Flora, a 10-year-old brindle shepherd who arrived emaciated and missing a leg; she has since had dental surgery and a mass removed.
All farm animals—including goats, alpacas, and pigs—have been relocated to the Humane Farming Association's Suwanna Ranch in Elk Creek, about 100 miles south of Redding.