Care Continues for Dogs Rescued from Bonsall Property
County Animal Services is providing an update on a group of golden retrievers recently rescued from a property in Bonsall.
On March 24, County Animal Services rescued seven abandoned and malnourished dogs from a Bonsall property. The animals were impounded under exigent circumstances, which allowed officers to act immediately due to urgent concerns for their health and safety.
In the days that followed, officers safely impounded two additional dogs, bringing the total number of rescued golden retrievers to nine.
They were immediately brought into the care of Animal Services’ veterinary and animal care teams at the County’s Bonita shelter, who have been working around the clock to support their recovery.
The dogs arrived underweight and suffered from severe flea infestations, dehydration and anemia. Each dog is receiving individualized treatment, which includes fluids, supportive medications, parasite care and specialized feeding plans to help them recover from starvation.
Two of the dogs are senior males, while the others are approximately one year old, though their weights—ranging from 12 to 25 pounds—indicate that their growth was likely stunted due to the conditions they endured.
One younger dog was being treated for pneumonia; however, despite close monitoring and intensive care, the dog did not survive.
Despite their challenging experiences, the dogs have shown friendly, social and gentle temperaments, though many remain understandably shy. Our teams are committed to helping them build confidence as they continue to heal.
Their rescue and care have required extensive support from veterinary, animal control and shelter staff. Six team members assisted on-site during the initial response, and the Bonita medical team has dedicated several days to conducting thorough examinations of all recovered animals.
Animal control officers also made extensive efforts to locate two additional dogs seen near the property. Staff set humane traps, spoke with neighbors and spent many hours searching the surrounding area, including hiking through nearby canyon terrain. Although the dogs have not yet been found, local residents have been asked to contact Animal Services immediately with any sightings, and we remain hopeful for their safe recovery.
County Animal Services promotes the humane and responsible care of pets by providing the unincorporated areas of San Diego County with 24-hour animal rescues; helping those who can no longer care for their pets; investigating and stopping animal cruelty or neglect; enforcing state and local laws related to animals as needed; and educating the public about responsible care which includes animal welfare, restraint, and licensing benefits.