The Humane Society of Ventura County is proud to share a recent victory from our Investigations Department. On August 13^th, 2022, Humane Officers responded to a report of animal cruelty at a rented space within a large-scale animal boarding property. Upon arrival at the scene, they observed one cow, three dogs, nine sheep and goats, four horses, and one pig in corrals within the space. Several animals were emaciated, including one horse that had been deceased for multiple days. One of the horses had an open, untreated laceration near one of its back hooves that caused it to limp. One of the dogs was tethered to a fence by a leash and chain. All the animals were living amidst unsanitary and hazardous conditions and most did not have access to food or clean water.

After five hours of speaking with the two animal owners, evaluating the health and living conditions of each animal, and assessing the totality of the circumstances, a criminal citation for animal cruelty was issued and seven animals were impounded under violations of California State Laws.

The dogs seized included a 4-month-old tan and black female German Shepherd/Husky Mix named Sparkles (above left, far right), a 7-month-old black and tan male German Shepherd/Husky Mix named Oso (above, center right), a 4-year-old black female German Shepherd named Flicka (above, center left).

Three horses and one sheep were also seized; a 2-year-old brown and black Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse mare named Lucero, a 15-year-old black Quarter Horse mare named Morena (above, left), a 12-year-old gray Mustang mare named Paloma (above, center), and one adult sheep, later to be named Pepe by our staff (above, right).

A post-seizure hearing was requested by the two animal owners to contest the legality of the impounds. At that time, the owner of the dogs decided to surrender Sparkles and Oso to the HSVC, while the owner of the horses and sheep only chose to sign over the sheep. All impounds were ultimately deemed as justified, and the case was submitted to be criminally prosecuted through the District Attorney’s Office.

After almost one-and-a-half years, the case reached a resolution through the Ventura Superior Court. Both animal owners were charged with two Felony counts of Animal Neglect 597(b) PC. As a result of the charges, the first animal owner must serve 60 days in Ventura County Jail, while the second animal owner must serve 90 days. Both owners must also complete Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (B.A.R.C.) counseling, perform 20 hours of community service, pay restitution to HSVC, and be on formal probation for 24 months. They are also both prohibited from owning animals of any kind.

This victory against animal cruelty would not have been possible without the hard work and perseverance of our Humane Officers. Thank you to Senior Officer Utter, Officer Gonzalez, and Humane Investigations Director King for your dedication to animal welfare. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our animal care staff for diligently caring for the seized animals, many of whom have been at the shelter for over a year pending closure of their case.

We are excited to share an update on Oso and Sparkles, the two dogs that were surrendered to the shelter early on in the case. Both pups were lucky enough to be adopted into loving homes! Oso, the 7-month-old male German Shepherd/Husky mix (pictured above), was adopted by John and Tess in mid-November 2022. Oso gained a fellow HSVC alum fur sibling in February of 2023 when his pawrents brought home 4-month-old Orange Pumpkin, now Emma (pictured above). The pair of pups have become best pals and spend their time snuggling, playing, and adventuring together with John and Tessa.

Sparkles (pictured above) was 6-months-old when she was adopted from the shelter in mid-October 2022 by her new mama, Kelley. She’s now a gorgeous 75-pound pup with a spunky and playful personality. According to Kelley, Sparkles loves to play at the park and the beach, though she’s not always keen on the waves. Her well-mannered and gentle nature makes her an ideal playmate for her kitty siblings.

The last of the three pups, Flicka (pictured above), is finally available for adoption and patiently waiting for someone to take a chance on her. Now 5-years-old, Flicka is our longest canine resident at the shelter. Our staff have grown fond of her sweet and playful personality, and we want nothing more than for her to get adopted by a loving family! Those interested in Flicka can visit her at the shelter any time Monday – Saturday between 10 am and 4:30 pm. We ask those visiting her to take the time to get to know her, as she does exhibit some barrier aggression when in her kennel and play yards. We recommend asking an animal care staff member to take her into our agility yard to truly get to know her sweet personality.

Pepe (pictured left), the male sheep surrendered during this case, happily found his forever home with Robert in mid-February of 2023. We will always miss Pepe’s signature “baaaaas”, but we’re so glad he finally got his happily ever after!

Now that their case is closed, Morena (above, left), Paloma (above, center), and Lucero (above, right) are also finally available for adoption! The three equines have been at the shelter for nearly 500 days, and we think it’s time they each found loving forever homes! You can learn more about Lucero, Paloma, and Morena by viewing their profiles via ASPCA’s MyRightHorse.org. Those looking to expand their equine family can inquire about adoption directly on their website, or you can contact the shelter at 805-646-6505 to speak with our Equine Manager, Christina.

Thank you to all who supported these animals during their journey, and thank you to our Humane Officers for making happily ever after possible for them!