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Dozens of dead horses were found on several rural properties in San Joaquin County, California. This is a disturbing case of animal abuse. The authorities found at least 80 dead animals and many more that were in severe need of care.
The investigation started in August of last year and ended with the arrest of Jan Johnson and Justine Fitzhenry, both from Clements. Johnson is charged with more than 20 felonies of animal cruelty, some of which are connected to cockfighting and gun violations. A number of counts of abuse and neglect are brought against Fitzhenry.
In January, deputies first found 27 dead horses and many horses that were severely malnourished on Johnson’s farm. A few days later, they found 53 more dead horses, a dead dog, and a dead cow on other land she owned. In total, 90 horses were found still living but very poorly fed. A lot of them were too sick to get better, so they had to be put to sleep. Oakdale Equine Rescue is now taking care of the 16 horses that were stable enough to be saved.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office also said that Johnson was tied to the discovery of a cockfighting ring. This shows how bad the abuse was on a larger scale. Sheriff Patrick Withrow stressed that the police took their time to make sure that every animal involved in the case was found. “Every single one of these animals that was tortured deserved our respect and our drive to look into this,” he said.
This kind of animal abuse isn’t just against the law; it shows a deep lack of respect for life. We want our fans to support real animal sanctuaries and work for stronger protections for both farm animals and pets. No animal should have to suffer alone in a room with closed doors.
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