Authorities in California have rescued more than 400 animals from a sanctuary in San Diego County that promised forever homes but delivered something closer to a medieval livestock painting. The San Diego Humane Society executed the massive operation last week at Villa Chardonnay in Julian, a facility that had been operating since 2003 and apparently interpreting “sanctuary” as “place where basic care goes to die.”
“This is one of the largest and most complex rescues our organization has ever undertaken,” said Jace Huggins, the humane society’s vice-president and chief of humane law enforcement, in a statement that suggests the bar for “complex” is now measured in hundreds of neglected animals spread across 40 acres. The rescued menagerie included about 165 horses, several ponies, 30 dogs, more than 300 cats, plus chickens, ducks, geese, goats, and pigs - essentially a Noah’s Ark of suffering.
Villa Chardonnay’s website claimed it cared for more than 600 animals and was “dedicated to providing a forever home to animals who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused.” Last year, the sanctuary filed for bankruptcy, which is one way to stop providing forever homes. The San Diego Humane Society noted that conditions had long raised concern, with animal welfare groups repeatedly trying to investigate - presumably getting as far as the smell before turning back.
The humane society executed a search warrant after finding “veterinary evidence of severe neglect - including emaciation, untreated injuries and a lack of basic care.” The trustee overseeing the bankruptcy moved to legally transfer the animals to the humane society, which is the financial equivalent of saying, “Here, you deal with this mess.”
“It truly is appalling,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. “There is no question at all about the neglect, at the very least that occurred out there. I am very happy that these animals have a new chance at life.” Dr. Zarah Hedge, the chief medical officer, reported “widespread malnutrition” alongside open wounds, ringworm, and giardia. Some animals - four horses, a pony, and a bull - were euthanized to “prevent further suffering.” One kitten died while in the society’s care, because even rescue has limits.
Heidi Redman, the sanctuary spokesperson, told City News Service that the facility was in bankruptcy but hoped to turn things around. She denied the neglect allegations and said founder Monika Kerber and her partner were “devastated.” The animals were “like their children,” she added, and received daily feedings and vet care. One imagines the vet was either very busy or very confused about what “care” means.