California Woman Found With 27 Dead Horses On Multiple Properties

A California woman faces multiple charges after the discovery of 27 dead horses on her properties, shocking authorities and animal welfare advocates.

At a Glance

  • Jan Johnson, 62, arrested for severe animal neglect in Clements, California
  • 27 dead horses found across multiple properties owned by Johnson
  • 16 horses rescued, while 4 horses and 1 bull euthanized due to extreme neglect
  • Johnson faces additional charges, including threatening a public official
  • Arraignment scheduled for Friday in San Joaquin County Court

Horrific Discovery in San Joaquin County

Law enforcement officials in San Joaquin County, California, made a gruesome discovery while executing a search warrant at multiple properties in Clements, a small town located about 40 miles southeast of Sacramento. The search revealed 27 deceased horses and several others in various states of malnourishment, leading to the arrest of 62-year-old Jan Johnson on charges of severe animal neglect.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Animal Services officers, conducted a thorough investigation of the properties owned by Johnson. What they found was nothing short of horrifying.

“During the operation, several malnourished horses were discovered on the premises with limited access to any food or water and approximately 27 deceased horses were located,” the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said.

What kind of sicko does something like this?

In the wake of this tragic discovery, authorities and animal welfare organizations sprang into action to save the surviving animals. Sixteen horses were successfully rescued and transferred to the care of professionals at Oakdale Equine Rescue. These animals will now receive the proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation they desperately need.

“After thorough assessments, 16 horses were rescued and are now in the care of professionals at the Oakdale Equine Rescue who will ensure they receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation,” authorities said.

Unfortunately, the extent of neglect was so severe that some animals could not be saved.

Jan Johnson now faces a litany of charges stemming from this incident. In addition to animal cruelty charges, she is also accused of threatening a public official, making criminal threats, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun. These charges compound an existing warrant for allegedly making threats to a school, its employees, and officers.

“We are committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community and will continue to investigate this matter,” the sheriff’s office said.

Johnson was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail and is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Friday. As of now, court records do not list an attorney for Johnson.