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Public and supervisors press county for action after complaints about horse care at OC Fairgrounds
Summary
Residents told the board they believe horses at the Orange County Fairgrounds have been denied proper exercise and care; supervisors acknowledged concerns but said jurisdictional limits complicate immediate county action and recommended pursuing judicial remedies and interagency coordination.
Several residents urged the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 27 to intervene after alleging horses at the Orange County Fairgrounds were being denied regular exercise and subject to neglect amid a contract dispute.
Carol Grace, who identified herself as a Newport Beach resident, described animal injuries and stress among horses kept at the fairgrounds and pleaded with supervisors to "do anything that you can to change this situation and have safety restored for the animals, for the kids, the handlers and the riders." She said veterinarians had advised the horses were not receiving required exercise and described safety incidents affecting handlers and riders.
Supervisor Katrina Foley and other board members said they were "very concerned about the health of the horses" but explained jurisdictional limitations. Foley said county animal-care authorities do not have jurisdiction over the fairgrounds (which is state property managed as an unincorporated association within an incorporated city) and that the county has limited enforcement authority. She said the county has contacted multiple state and local officials and recommended seeking judicial remedies if necessary to protect the animals; she also asked the governor's office to direct the arena to reopen for exercise while the dispute is resolved.
Gibran Stout and other speakers urged the county not to leave the horses without exercise, calling for both a legal and practical solution, including temporary transportation of horses for exercise if necessary. Board members said they would continue to lend their voices and work with jurisdictions but cautioned that legal authority is constrained.
Next steps: Supervisor Foley said she would pursue interagency coordination and had requested the governor's office review the arena status; she also announced an agenda item on Sept. 10 that would address related issues.
