2 Horses Better; Group to Urge Felony Charge

Two horses taken into protective custody earlier this week after the owner was cited for failing to feed and water the animals appear to be improving, although the older mare could still succumb to the neglect, officials from the Humane Society of Ventura County said Friday.

Jolene Hoffmann, who administers the Humane Society shelter in Ojai, said both animals have improved with proper feed and care. But the 27-year-old mare remains in serious condition.

“She appears to be OK this morning,” Hoffman said. “She’s alert, but she’s very weak.”

Simi Valley police responding to a complaint Thursday cited Carol Naldony with a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty.

Hoffman said Friday that because of the severity of the horses’ condition, the Humane Society would ask Ventura County prosecutors to bump that to a felony charge.

“When the officers went to the property they found no food and the water buckets were dry,” she said.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Richard Simon said Friday that he knows about the case but has not yet reviewed the facts. Any decision on misdemeanor or felony charges is at least a week away, he said.

Penalties could range from probation to three years in state prison, Simon said.

Naldony rents the half-acre spread in the Bridle Path neighborhood of Simi Valley, according to property owner Terry Petto. Naldony could not be reached Friday for comment.