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 detected 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 family members No charges have been filed but the episode remains open and the study is ongoing officers mentioned The San Diego County District Attorney s Office is also involved City News Facility contributed to this statement