5 Horses, 10 Dogs, 45 Birds Seized From Cabazon Property

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Five horses, along with other animals, were impounded from a Cabazon property on Wednesday, and officials say the owner, who was arrested, could face cruelty charges.

Rafael Leal, 58, was taken into custody and booked into Banning's Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility after Riverside County Animal Services served a search warrant at the property in the 50000 block of Esperanza Avenue.

According to RCDAS, the horses were emaciated; their ribs, hip points, and spines were very prominent.

RCDAS officers also impounded four dogs and six puppies, and 45 birds, mostly hens and roosters, from the property. The officers could not locate any food for the birds, nor a water source for them, the agency said.

All of the animals were transported to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley to be assessed by staff veterinarians, according to RCDAS.

The investigation started in late July after RCDAS received a complaint from a fellow county employee at code enforcement who shared concerns about underweight horses at the property.

When RCDAS officers visited the property on July 23, they allegedly saw malnourished equines. According to the agency, officers questioned Leal, who told them he was going through tough times, trying to feed the horses what he could.

RCDAS officers offered to find a rescue organization to assist, but Leal said he would think about it, the agency said.

On the day of the July visit, officers reported that some of the horses did not have water and temperatures climbed above 100 degrees. The equines were watered, and two days later RCDAS returned for a follow-up to find the horses still in bad shape, according to the agency.

Leal again declined help to rehome the animals, and RCDAS Lt. Lesley Huennekens informed him that the situation could result in felony animal cruelty charges, the agency said.

After no resolution, Leal was arrested Wednesday and his animals seized with assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

"When we get complaints, it is our duty to respond," RCDAS Director Erin Gettis said. "This is an example of partnerships with fellow county agencies and great follow-through by our officers. It’s a shame to let horses get to this state — and we look forward to nursing them back to a much healthier weight."

The investigation is being turned over to the Riverside County District Attorney’s office for review to determine whether formal charges will be filed.

Detailed booking information for Leal was unavailable Wednesday afternoon.