SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement reached out to the public Wednesday for information to help identify two horses found abandoned one week apart at a staging area corral in the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park.
The first horse was found Nov. 21 and the second on Sunday, according to Nina Thompson of the humane society. Both horses were in poor condition and taken to San Diego Humane Society's Escondido Campus for treatment.
After a detailed examination and X-rays, the medical team determined that the second horse was experiencing such severe pain that the only option was euthanasia, Thompson said.
Investigators say when the horses were brought to the Escondido campus the two horse nickered which leads them to believe they knew each other and were from the same owner.
The Tijuana River Valley is known for equestrian trails and ranches. Detectives say they have spoken to people in the area that could lead them to more information about the case.
"We potentially do have an eyewitness, but again, it's an open investigation. So we are trying to gather more information," said Lt. Regina Price, SDHS Humane Law Enforcement.
She said when they found the first horse there was a note left on the fence.
"The note said for animal control. So it led us to believe that no one was coming back. There was no note with a second horse," said Price.
One of the horses had a halter leading investigators to believe they were someone's pet.
Under California law, it is illegal to abandon an animal.
"We are here to help, so please reach out to us before you leave an animal to fend for themselves," San Diego Humane Society Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Jace Huggins said. "We also ask the public to speak up if they know something, so we can ensure that no additional horses are left without essential care such as food and water."
Anyone with information about the abandonment of the horses was asked to call the society's Humane Law Enforcement at 619-299-7012 and press 1 for dispatch
The first rescued horse, a male Quarter mix, will remain at the Escondido Campus until he is healthy and next steps can be determined, pending the investigation, Thompson said.
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