Julian Animal Rescue: 65 Cats Flown To Texas, More Horses Reunited With Owners

JULIAN, CA — Dozens of cats were relocated to Texas and several horses were reunited with their previous owners this week as staff continued caring for hundreds of animals rescued from a massive animal neglect case in Julian, according to San Diego Humane Society.

On Wednesday, 65 cats rescued from the Villa Chardonnay property were flown to the Humane Society of North Texas aboard a Wings of Rescue flight after undergoing medical evaluations by San Diego Humane Society staff.

The flight departed from Gillespie Field in El Cajon and landed in Fort Worth, where the cats were transferred to the Texas shelter for continued care, according to San Diego Humane Society.

The transfer comes as the organization nears a record number of animals in its care, with 2,515 animals currently housed across its shelters in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego.

Meanwhile, six more horses rescued from the Julian property were reunited with their previous owners Wednesday, bringing the total number of reunions to 14 horses, one cat and one dog.

Veterinary staff continue conducting daily exams on horses remaining at the property. Many are suffering from lameness, according to the organization. Six horses underwent X-rays Wednesday as veterinarians worked to determine the causes of their conditions.

Staff and volunteers continue to care for animals remaining at the property, with 15 to 20 workers onsite daily, including a veterinarian.

Since the rescue operation began May 1, more than 700 animals have been found on the property, including 446 cats, 175 horses, 30 dogs, 30 chickens, and dozens of other birds and farm animals.

San Diego Humane Society, which took over the case from San Diego County Animal Services on April 24, executed a search warrant May 1 at Villa Chardonnay after veterinary evidence documented emaciation, untreated injuries and lack of basic care. A bankruptcy court subsequently granted San Diego Humane Society ownership of all animals on the site, allowing officials to begin medical treatment and long-term care.

Animals taken to San Diego Humane Society shelters are being treated for various medical conditions, including malnutrition, emaciation, untreated wounds and contagious infections such as ringworm and giardia.

Also see:

• More Animals Removed, 'Severe Neglect' Conditions Detailed In Ongoing Julian Rescue Case
• Reunions Begin After Massive Julian Animal Rescue Operation