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County animal-services staffer alleges severe cruelty at East County sanctuary, calls for accountability
Summary
A Department of Animal Services speaker described emaciated and suffering animals at an East County sanctuary, alleging investigative failures by a named official and urging decisive action; the board did not take formal action during the meeting.
An employee or representative identifying herself as Audrey Reynolds, Department of Animal Services, told the San Diego County Board of Supervisors that an East County animal sanctuary housed emaciated and suffering animals and accused a county official of mishandling the investigation.
Reynolds described multiple animals in dire condition during a November inspection and later observations: she said a donkey died "unable to stand, emaciated, starving to death," described "8 starving horses all emaciated, unable to move," and described a draft horse that was "extremely thin with excessively long feet." She said 265 cats were observed in November with reports of animals with bloodied mouths and mange. Reynolds alleged the investigation was mishandled, saying investigators left "with no photos or videos" and that an equine expert who had observed the animals was not engaged by the assigned official, whom she named as Von Maurice.
Why it matters: Reynolds characterized the situation as potentially "the largest cruelty case ever seen in San Diego County" and urged the board to address what she described as investigative failures that left animals to suffer. She said the Department of Animal Services had "one chance" to act and that available evidence was not properly preserved.
Board response and action: the transcript records the allegation in public comment; there was no recorded vote or formal board action on the complaint during this session. The speaker urged accountability and indicated the matter had been referred to the district attorney previously but lacked sufficient evidence due to investigative gaps.
Ending: The allegation was entered into the public record at the meeting. No formal follow-up action was announced on the transcript; the speaker urged further investigation and accountability by county officials.
