‘Hundreds’ of animals taken from S.D. County location

From staff and online reports

JULIAN — Hundreds of animals, including as many as 175 horses, were being evaluated, treated and moved from a 40-acre animal sanctuary after an investigation that commenced in early April, according to the San Diego Humane Society.

The multi-day operation began May 1 at Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, Inc., the same day a San Diego Superior Court judge transferred ownership of the animals to the San Diego Humane Society. Human Society officials said it was expected to continue for several additional days.

“While some animals appear healthy and stable, many were found suffering without adequate care and husbandry,” the Humane Society said in a statement the day after the operation began.

The size of the property complicates the counting of animals involved. The latest estimates were 165 horses, including several ponies; more than 225 cats and 30 dogs; and dozens of other animals, including donkeys, alpacas, geese, chickens, roosters, goats, ravens and a crow.

“At our San Diego campus, we have been working to process new arrivals. An additional 67 cats were transferred today (Saturday), where they received comprehensive intake exams, including medical assessments and necessary treatments,” said the SDHS statement. “Four turkeys were taken to our Escondido Campus as well.

“The investigation is active and ongoing. Due to the size of the property and the variety of species involved, we expect the removal and evaluation phase to continue for several more days. Our absolute priority remains the health and safety of every animal on the property,” the statement said.

In a published report, Heidi Redman, a spokesperson for Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, defended the work of rescue founder Monika Kerber.

“There is no neglect, no abuse of any of these animals — they were well taken care of,” Redman said. “There is definitely another side to this story and it should be told. They’re (Kerber and her partner, Mercedes Flores) devastated. These animals were like their children. They (investigators) even took their house dogs, their personal dogs.”

The Humane Society is asking the public to support their effort by adopting and donating to its rescue fund to “help cover the immense cost of specialized care, transport and food for these animals.”

Donations and updated information is available at sdhumane.org/julianrescue.