Southern California man arrested after animals found emaciated, malnourished

A large group of animals were seized from a Riverside County property after authorities found them malnourished and dehydrated amid extreme desert heat.

On July 23, Riverside County Animal Services visited a Cabazon property on the 50000 block of Esperanza Avenue after receiving a tip reporting horses in poor condition.

“All of them were underweight, three of them significantly,” said Lt. Lesley Huennekens with Riverside County Animal Services.

Two days later they visited again and asked the owner to surrender the horses as the animals’ conditions had not improved. He also reportedly refused to accept assistance to rehome the emaciated horses.

On Aug. 14, authorities arrested the owner, Rafael Leal, 58, on felony animal cruelty charges.

“We served some search warrants after we were unable to gain compliance,” Huennekens said.

The animals confiscated from the property included three mares, two stallions, four dogs, six puppies and 45 birds, mostly hens and roosters.

Officers said they couldn’t locate any food or water source for the birds.

The horses were transported to a Jurupa Valley Shelter. Authorities believe the owners were breeding horses for profit.

This incident was one of two major animal seizures in Riverside County that occurred in the same week.

While deputies were assisting with Nixon Fire evacuations, they discovered an Aguanga property where over 100 animals were taken in.

Jacyln Schart with Riverside County Animal Services said the vast collection of animals was shocking.

“Wolf hybrid types, there were reptiles, amphibians, all different types of birds,” Schart said.

There were farm animals, horses and even hamsters and roaches.

Schart said the volume of animals exacerbated local shelters that were already experiencing overcrowding.

“This time of year is always hard for animal shelters,” Schart explained. “In the summer, around kitten season, we’re just more full. Certainly, taking in 100 animals in a 12-hour period was totally overwhelming.”

All the animals that were seized will be put up for adoption after receiving medical check-ups and clearance from veterinarians.

The Cabazon seizure and investigation will be turned over to the Riverside County District Attorney’s office for review. A crew of Riverside County sheriff’s deputies and rescue workers assisted with the case.

“When we get complaints, it is our duty to respond,” said Erin Gettis, Animal Services Director. “This is an example of partnerships with fellow county agencies and great follow-through by our officers. It’s a shame to let horses get to this state – and we look forward to nursing them back to a much healthier weight.”

Riverside County animal shelter workers are asking anyone who may have extra supplies to donate to a local shelter if possible. Information on supplies needed can be found here.

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