Animal welfare case under investigation in Rancho Santa Fe

RANCHO SANTE FE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- County Animal Services and the District Attorney’s Office are working to assess the welfare of two horses in Rancho Santa Fe.

An Animal Services Officer responded Tuesday to a report and photograph of an emaciated horse at a property in the 7600 block of Artesian Road, according to the County of San Diego.

The officer found the horse pictured on the property and 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," the County of San Diego said. "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."

To ensure they witnessed the scheduled euthanasia, Animal Services Officers arrived at the property around 8:10 a.m.

However, around 9:15 a.m., the veterinarian told Animal Services she had an emergency and had the horse removed prior to the officers' arrival.

The veterinarian also declined Animal Services request for documentation confirming the horse had been euthanized, according to county officials.

A formal 121 Notice of Pre-Impoundment, requiring verifiable proof of veterinary care or humane euthanasia within 48 hours or risk facing criminal charges, has been issued to the owner, the county said.

Investigators are trying to figure out the current location and condition of the removed horse, determining whether humane care was provided and assessing the welfare of the second horse that remains on the property.