A woman has been arrested following a disturbing discovery of 27 dead horses across multiple properties in Clements, California, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies, along with Animal Services officers, executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing animal neglect investigation. During the operation, authorities found several malnourished horses with little access to food or water, alongside the remains of 27 deceased horses.
In total, 16 horses were rescued and taken to Oakdale Equine Rescue for medical care and rehabilitation. However, four additional horses and one bull had to be euthanized due to extreme neglect. Veterinarians are still evaluating other animals on the properties.
The suspect, identified as Jan Johnson of Clements, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty, criminal threats, threatening a public official, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun. She was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail.
Authorities emphasized their commitment to animal welfare and thanked the responding deputies, Animal Services officers, and Oakdale Equine Rescue for their efforts in rescuing and caring for the surviving animals.
This article is a summary of reporting by ABC News.
