Community Corner
22 More Neglected Horses Seized From Owner in Ramona
A total of 22 horses and foals, 8 dogs and puppies, 1 cat, 1 rabbit, 1 guinea pig and 3 mice were taken from Lori Patton's property.
Two months after the County Department of Animal Services (DAS) impounded 10 horses in Ramona, another 22 were seized from the same owner Monday.
DAS had been monitoring the herd belonging to Lori Patton since the original seizure May 23 to make sure the animals were getting the proper level of care.
Animal Control Officers noted a number of horses were becoming thin and posted a notice at Patton’s property July 15 stating the animals would be seized if conditions didn’t improve. Patton requested a hearing to contest the proposed seizure. The hearing was held Friday, July 19 and the hearing officer’s decision Monday, July 22 authorized DAS to seize all the animals on the property.
A total of 22 horses and foals, eight dogs and puppies, one cat, one rabbit, one guinea pig and three mice were taken from the property.
“The owner was not providing the necessary care to improve the health of the horses which left us no choice but to seize her animals and take them into protective custody,” said Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “The criminal investigation is continuing and we are unable to share more information at this time.”
A veterinarian has examined the horses and found they were all below the proper weight and some needed dental care. Treatment is now underway.
As part of the administrative process, Patton has 14 days to reclaim her animals if she shows she can provide the necessary care and attention for them and if she can pay the cost of their impoundment, housing and medical care.
DAS seized 10 horses from Patton last May when the animals were found by Intermountain Fire and Rescue without food and water. Most of those horses have since been adopted.
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