Neglected, Malnourished Horses Seized In RivCo, Officials Say

MEAD VALLEY, CA — After nearly two years of a "yo-yo" investigation, Riverside County Department of Animal Services officials removed three neglected horses from a Mead Valley property this week, officials reported Tuesday.

"A neglect case had been ongoing, dating to October 2016," Agency Spokesman John Welsh said in a news release announcing the seizure. "Each time Riverside County Animal Services’ officers told the owner a seizure was imminent, the owner would finally buy new food for the skinny animals."

Welsh said that Tuesday finally marked the end of the "back-and-forth, yo-yo-like tactics the owner exhibited for months." A seizure order was served at the ranch-style residence on Jean Street, near Clark Street, shortly after 10 a.m.

Animal control officers had been previously called to the residence multiple times to examine the horses, whose rib cages were showing from lack of nourishment, according to Welsh.

He alleged that each time the owner, whose name was withheld, was informed the animals would be seized unless they were properly fed, the man would go buy oats and hay to restore them to health.

"Officers have dealt with more severe equine neglect cases in the past, but this case was an ongoing battle," Welsh said. "The owner's lack of consistent care and sustainable nutrition resulted in today's seizure."

According to Welsh, a post-seizure hearing will be held to determine whether the horses should be returned to the owner or placed in a rescue facility and adopted out. In the meantime, the man will be responsible for covering the cost of the animals' care, Welsh said.

If the horses are put up for adoption, the public will be notified via social and traditional media, according to Welsh.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Images via Riverside County Department of Animal Services