Llamas, geese, mini-cattle, 31 horses seized in San Diego County
A menagerie of animals -- including 31 horses -- has been seized from a property in San Diego County after officials said they found some that were underweight or had cracked hooves, a painful condition that can lead to permanent damage.
The animals were seized in Valley Center by officials from the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.
Among the animals were three llamas, five geese, four Dexter miniature cattle, a dog and the 31 horses. The property owner had not responded to a request by officials to discuss the care of the animals.
“Although easy to remedy, prolonged lack of hoof care in livestock is a painful condition that can lead to permanent and severe damage,” said Dan DeSousa, deputy director of the animal services department.
The animals were seized Saturday after officials received a warrant. The horses are being cared for at a county facility in Bonita; the other animals are at a private ranch or county facility in Carlsbad.
Officials are discussing whether the property owner should be cited for animal neglect.
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