Death of horse at North County ranch leads to two others being impounded

An ailing horse with at a ranch on Artesian Road Photo courtesy of County News Center The San Diego County Department of Animal Services has executed a warrant at a ranch near Rancho Santa Fe after the death of a horse last month Two San Diego County Sheriff s deputies went to the ranch in the block of Artesian Road Friday to evaluate all of the animals on site prompted by the death of Penny the horse Two horses were impounded for further examination and care after being exposed with low body condition scores according to a news release from the county Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice Assistant Director Rachael Borrelli Animal Control Lt Lewis Peterson and Dr Caitlin Manring of East County Large and Small Animal Practice accompanied law enforcement when the warrant was served County Animal Services operates two shelters caring for thousands of animals each year and matching them with interested helpers No charges have been filed but the affair remains open and the scrutiny is ongoing administration disclosed The San Diego County District Attorney s Office is also involved City News Provision contributed to this summary