Riverside County sheriff’s deputies and animal control officers conducted a search warrant at a ranch in Cabazon on Wednesday, leading to the rescue of over 60 animals allegedly neglected by their owners. The two property owners, residing in the 50000 block of Esperanza Avenue, were taken into custody on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.
Lieutenant Lesley Huennekens of Riverside County Animal Services stated, “The animals are going to be evaluated by our veterinarian team, and we will be submitting a case with the district attorney’s office for felony animal cruelty.” Among the rescued animals were six horses, ten dogs, and over 40 chickens and hens.
Huennekens highlighted the severity of the neglect, particularly during the recent heatwave. “As you know we’ve been experiencing well over 100-degree weather. And we’re coming to the property and finding animals with no water, or the water that is on the property is non-potable; it’s something that you would not give to your animals.”
Several horses were found in an emaciated state, and numerous other animals lacked proper food and water. Huennekens revealed that Animal Services had previously visited the property in July and offered assistance to the owner, but he refused.
“He’s not the most agreeable guy,” Huennekens said. “It’s never our first response to serve warrants and seize animals.” She added, “We had offered to place some of his animals under rescue, to lessen his financial burden, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get that from him.”
This seizure and arrest follow a similar incident less than a week prior, where Animal Services rescued over 100 animals from a property in Aguanga, Riverside County, due to similar neglectful conditions.
Huennekens acknowledged the recurring issue of animal hoarding and neglect. “We’re always going to have people who have too many animals and can’t take care of them properly. Unfortunately, we have seen back-to-back cases lately, but I don’t have a reason for it, that’s what we’re dealing with right now.”
