Public raises repeated animal cruelty complaints over Artesian Road ranch; supervisors say staff has investigated

Dozens of members of the public urged the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 13 to take stronger action after repeated reports that horses at a ranch on Artesian Road are suffering neglect or abuse.

Speakers said animals are starving, living in feces and at risk from heat exposure; several called on the county to seize and relocate the animals and to hold responsible parties criminally accountable. Supervisor Jim Desmond read a staff summary saying county personnel have repeatedly visited and communicated with the property owners and community advocates and will continue to monitor the situation.

The public comments came during the meeting's non-agenda public comment period. Multiple callers who identified themselves as neighbors or animal-welfare volunteers described videos and photos they said show horses in poor condition and said they believe county animal-control staff and other agencies have not responded adequately. One caller said, “There has been documentation that there is an ongoing pattern of animal abuse and cruelty occurring regularly at this property.” (caller Michael Fujimori)

Supervisor Desmond told the board that staff has been meeting with interested parties and the ranch’s representatives. “They had 5 meetings, both in person and virtual between May 9 and August 9. They spent 6 hours with individuals,” Desmond said, and he said staff had exchanged many emails and conducted on-site observations. Desmond reported that officers conducting routine patrols observed the property from Artesian Road and from trails about 50 yards away and, on those observations, “no issues with the ranch or the horses were observed by the officers.” He concluded that staff would continue responding to reports.

Speakers disputed the county’s characterization. Multiple callers asked the board to remove animals immediately and to investigate whether staff relied on the ranch owner’s own veterinarian or on cursory inspections. They also urged transferring animals to sanctuaries and asked the board to examine whether any contracts or political connections have influenced enforcement decisions.

County staff did not present a new enforcement action at the Aug. 13 meeting; Desmond’s remarks functioned as an update on staff activity. The board did not vote on any new measure related to the Artesian Road property during the meeting. Several supervisors thanked members of the public for raising concerns and said they would follow up with staff.

The episode drew repeated public attention across the meeting. Additional callers and local advocates said they would continue to press animal services and the county’s public-safety agencies for evidence of inspections, medical records, necropsy reports for animals that died, and documentation of enforcement decisions.

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting was announced at the end of the session; any formal enforcement actions would be recorded in subsequent agendas and minutes.