Karen Pearlman • July 19, 2026
Remaining horses rescued from Julian sanctuary relocated to El Cajon
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Photo courtesy County of San Diego
By Karen Pearlman, East County Magazine
(Julian) — Animal rescue efforts from the Villa Chardonnay Sanctuary in Julian are starting to wind down.
The San Diego Humane Society, continuing its response to one of the largest animal rescues in its history, most recently relocated 54 horses seized from the Villa Chardonnay sanctuary to the Willow Glen Equestrian Centre in El Cajon. Four additional horses were transported to SDHS’s Escondido campus, where they will continue receiving specialized behavioral and medical care.
The latest move unfolded over three days — from July 13-15 — and was carefully coordinated to protect the safety and well-being of every horse involved, SDHS officials say.
The new locations offer a more secure, efficient setting for the animals as well as easier access for the staff, volunteers and prospective adopters supporting their recovery. Local nonprofit H.E.R.O. Grounds (Hoofed and Emergency Response Operations) played a key role in helping secure the space, SDHS reports.
“Moving these horses is an important step forward in their recovery,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the SDHS. “This new location allows us to continue providing the individualized care they need in a safer, more efficient setting while also making it easier for our teams to support them, and potential adopters to give them the new lives they deserve.
“We’re grateful to H.E.R.O. Grounds for helping us secure this space as well as Willow Glen’s desire to support these animals in need.”
The horses are among 728 animals removed from the 40-acre Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, Inc. property at 4554 Boulder Creek Road in Julian, where San Diego Humane Law Enforcement officers, supported by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, served a search warrant on the morning of May 1.
What began as a case under San Diego County Animal Services‘ jurisdiction was transferred to SDHS on April 24 due to the scope of the neglect uncovered and legal complications tied to Villa Chardonnay’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The Humane Farming Association had raised concerns about conditions at the property since October 2025, working through federal bankruptcy court to gain access before the warrant was ultimately served.
Investigators found animals suffering from severe malnutrition, untreated wounds, and outbreaks of illnesses including ringworm and giardia; some cases were serious enough to require humane euthanasia.
In total, the property yielded one of the largest and most logistically complex animal welfare interventions in county history: 446 cats, 175 horses, 30 dogs, 30 chickens, 12 goats, eight ducks, eight geese, six mini ponies, four donkeys, four turkeys, three pigs, three roosters, three red-eared slider turtles, two ravens, one sheep, one bull and one crow.
In the weeks following the initial rescue, SDHS mobilized daily teams of 15 to 20 staff and volunteers on-site, along with veterinarians and, later, specialized farriers and equine dental teams who treated dozens of horses for dental and hoof issues.
Some farm animals were transported to a long-term sanctuary in Northern California, while cats were largely relocated to SDHS’s El Cajon campus for care. Reunions between rescued animals and their original owners began emerging within the first two weeks, including horses separated from their owners for as long as nine years.
SDHS says it has already received substantial public interest in adopting the rescued horses now settling into Willow Glen. The horses are not currently available for public viewing, but those interested in the adoption process are asked to email horses@sdhumane.org for more information.
Background on the rescue and the ongoing investigation is available at sdhumane.org/JulianRescue
Original Article:
East County News Services • June 13, 2026
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