Rescued neglected horses to be put up for adoption

RAMONA (CNS) – Nearly two dozen horses seized from a Ramona woman's
property last month because they were underweight, needed dental work or had
hoof problems are now healthy and will soon be put up for auction, county
animal services officials said Tuesday.

The 22 horses and foals, along with other animals, were seized July 22
from property on Old Julian Highway owned by Lori Patton, after an
administrative hearing officer issued an order to seize the animals for their
safety, according to the Department of Animal Services.

The county agency began monitoring the herd of horses in May, after
several other horses found without food or water were removed from Patton's
property. Authorities said the investigation into the animals' owner was
ongoing.

The ailing horses seized last month were subsequently nursed back to
health, and Animal Services plans to take silent bids from 10 a.m. to noon on
Aug. 24. The minimum bid is $100, and three of the mares have foals that will
be auctioned as a set with the same minimum bid set, officials said.

Prospective adopters can view photographs and description of the horses
on the department's website at sddac.com, or visit them in person between 9:30
a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 22-23, and on Aug. 24 beginning at 8 a.m., at the
animal care facility at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita.

Those interesting in adopting one or more of the horses must fill out an
application, which is available at sddac.com and must be submitted to staff
members at the Bonita facility before the auction starts.

After the bidding period closes, winning applicants will be notified the
same afternoon and will have until 5:30 p.m. that day to collect the horses,
county officials said.