'Heartbreaking': More than 50 horses found dead in animal neglect investigation

In California, volunteers at an animal cruelty investigation center conducted a two-day rescue operation after discovering dozens of dead or malnourished horses, saving a large number of horses and other animals. This incident has sparked widespread concern and prompted relevant departments to intervene in the investigation.

According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, a total of 90 horses, 5 donkeys, and 3 alpacas were rescued, while the bodies of 53 horses, 1 cow, and 1 dog were found. An additional 13 horses, 1 donkey, and 1 bull had to be euthanized due to severe injuries. Police stated that these numbers may change as the investigation is still ongoing.

Chantel Tieman of the animal charity "Hold Your Horses Livestock Evacuation and Rescue" stated, "In terms of numbers, this is absolutely one of the worst abuse cases we've ever seen, and there's no excuse for it." She also mentioned that her team of volunteers works with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office on emergency and disaster evacuations. Last Wednesday, they spent most of their time rescuing 47 horses from the main location and transporting them to another volunteer organization, Oakdale Equine Rescue, for care.

Tieman expressed her heartbreak: "It's heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking. This should not have happened. These animals should not have suffered like this. There's no reason for it." Volunteers echoed the same sentiment, believing that community support is needed to help these surviving animals recover. These animals are currently part of the investigation but will be cared for by rescue organizations while legal proceedings take place.

The Sheriff's Office stated that law enforcement first made contact with Jan Johnson, the suspect in the alleged animal abuse, in August 2024, when they received reports of animal neglect. It is alleged that she also threatened officers during that visit. Subsequently, on January 4th, police received a report of a cockfighting event at one of Johnson's three properties near Clements, specifically on North Atkins Road. There, police found 30 dead chickens and 65 live chickens. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office told local media CBS13 that Johnson was not involved in the cockfighting event and was not home at the time, but because she is the property owner, police were able to obtain a search warrant to search her main residence and other properties. During the search, they discovered the horses and other animals, with initial reports indicating that 27 horses were found dead. Johnson has been arrested. Volunteers have spent hours rescuing animals from Johnson's properties and are now responsible for their rehabilitation.