Emaciated Horse Goes Missing From San Diego Property

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA — Authorities were investigating a report of an emaciated horse that has since been removed from a Rancho Santa Fe property, officials said.

A picture of an emaciated horse prompted an animal services officer to be dispatched Tuesday night to the property in the 7600 block of Artesian Road, according to San Diego County Department of Animal Services.

The horse was seen on the property, but a veterinarian who said she was responsible for the health of the animals told the officer she intended to euthanize two elderly horses on Monday but didn't have the equipment needed to remove the bodies. She said she would return to the property Wednesday morning to perform the euthanasia in the presence of animal services officers.

County officials, however, said the veterinarian never showed up. She called County Animal Services to report she had an emergency and had the horse removed before the officers arrived. She also failed to confirm the horse had been euthanized.

County Animal Services is requiring proof that the horse received proper veterinary care or was humanely euthanized within 48 hours, or criminal charges could be filed, officials said.

County Animal Services is working with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to investigate the location and condition of the removed horse, determine whether humane care was provided, and assess the welfare of the second horse that remains on the property.