Key facts
- Horses available for adoption
- 37
- Total animals rescued
- 728
- Horses originally rescued
- 175
- Horses still in SDHS care
- 48
- Location of remaining horses
- Willow Glen Equestrian Centre, El Cajon
- Adoption application website
- sdhumane.org/horses
Background
The San Diego Humane Society announced Tuesday that 37 of the 48 horses still in its care from a large-scale rescue in Julian are now available for adoption. The announcement comes months after a San Diego Superior Court judge transferred care of 728 animals from the Villa Chardonnay property to the Humane Society on May 1.
The animals impounded at the property in the 4500 block of Boulder Creek Road included more than 130 cats, more than 30 dogs, and dozens of other animals such as horses, ponies, donkeys, alpacas, geese, chickens, roosters, turkeys, goats, peacocks, ravens, and a crow. The Humane Society described the operation as a 'mass rescue operation.'
Current situation
The remaining horses are being housed at Willow Glen Equestrian Centre in El Cajon. They were moved from Julian in July 'to be more accessible for staff, volunteers and prospective adopters,' according to the Humane Society statement. An additional four horses were moved to the society's Escondido Campus for behavioral and medical care.
On Monday morning, a horse named 'Oscar' moved to his new home at the Unconditional Love Foundation in Murrieta, where he will serve as a therapy horse for veterans with PTSD. Oscar was accompanied by his 'girlfriend' — a pony named Loretta Lynn — and another horse named Knight King Julian. The foundation previously took in two other horses, Runner and Alfred, that were also recovered at the Julian property.
Impacts
The 37 horses ready for adoption are seeking 'patient, compassionate and experienced horse owners, who can provide the time, understanding and care needed to continue their healing,' according to the Humane Society. Many of these horses received limited or no veterinary care in the years before their rescue, and some may have ongoing medical and behavioral needs.
They are being placed as companion animals only; their rideability is unknown, and riding should not be expected. Since the rescue in early May, the Humane Society has provided medical care, nutritional support, and rehabilitation while finding homes or rescue partners for hundreds of cats, dogs, and farm animals.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Interested adopters can complete an application at sdhumane.org/horses. Completing an application does not guarantee the adoption of a horse. Only approved potential adopters with an appointment may show up in El Cajon to meet the horses.
If the remaining horses are adopted, the Humane Society could conclude its involvement with the Villa Chardonnay animals. However, if some horses are not placed, they may continue to require care and resources. The long-term outcome for the horses depends on the number of qualified adopters and the ongoing needs of the animals.
Source: kpbs.org
