Forty eight horses are up for adoption by the Health and Human Services Agency of El Dorado County. These horses are from the former Grace Foundation facility in El Dorado Hills.
Horses available for adoption
Forty eight horses are up for adoption after being rescued and eventually taken over by El Dorado County Human Services Agency.
© 2015 by EDC Animal Services
Back in November, the nonprofit Grace Foundation was formally evicted from a private ranch after losing its insurance, said the foundationâs executive director, Beth DeCaprio. Since then, 91 horses, along with several goats, chickens and pigs, have been placed in the protective custody of El Dorado County Animal Services.
Local authorities are responsible for impounding animals that remain following an eviction in accordance with state law. But the case has tested the capabilities of the countyâs animal services agency.
âItâs not cheap to feed that many animals,â said El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinski. âWeâre talking 91 horses and multiple miscellaneous livestock.â
This was the largest seizure of animals in a decade for El Dorado County, more than the 75 goats that were impounded during an animal cruelty case several years ago, Brzezinski said. Those animals were eventually put up for adoption.
So far, the county has spent several thousand dollars caring for 91 horses, including food and veterinary services, according to Brzezinski. Officials hope to recover the costs via a lien that must be paid by the animalsâ owners.
Animal Services have been reaching out to local and national animal welfare groups, and others, to assist with placement and adoption of the animals. To date, 42 horses and all of the other livestock have been placed, or are in the process of being adopted. The remaining 48 horses are now available for adoption.
"These are beautiful animals," said Alexis Shaw, Operations Manager of Animal Services. "Many are very friendly and enjoy being around people. But I do want to caution that some of the horses have special needs and many of the horses have not been ridden or trained, so they will need training in basic horsemanship. We recommend anyone considering adoption be an experienced horse person."
Animal Services has posted pictures and information about each of the horses on its website at www.edcgov.us/animalservices