Volunteers spent two days rescuing dozens of horses and animals in San Joaquin County after an animal abuse investigation revealed numerous dead or malnourished horses. A total of 90 horses, five donkeys, and three alpacas were rescued, while 53 horses, one cow, and one dog were found dead. Thirteen horses, one donkey, and one bull had to be euthanized, with the numbers subject to change as the investigation continues.

The suspect, Jan Johnson, is facing multiple charges including cruelty to an animal after law enforcement officials discovered 30 dead roosters and 65 alive ones at one of her properties. Johnson was not associated with the rooster fight but was the property owner, leading to warrants being issued to search her properties, where the horses and other animals were found. Volunteers are now working to nurse the surviving animals back to health.

Volunteers are urging community support to help with the recovery of the rescued animals. They emphasize the importance of speaking up and reporting animal abuse, as well as providing support through volunteering, fostering, or sponsoring animals in need. Oakdale Equine Rescue is fundraising to cover medical expenses for the animals’ recovery.