County Animal Services is currently caring for several horses at its Bonita shelter following a large rescue operation at a Julian property, where hundreds of animals were found without proper care.
To support these horse-neglect cases, County Animal Services is using the Spirit Medical Fund, a donation-based fund that helps animals arriving at County shelters with serious medical needs or complex circumstances.
On June 10, two of the six horses at the Bonita shelter were transported to the Humane Society of Ventura County for additional care.
The scale of the rescue required assistance from organizations across the country, and community donations have played a critical role in helping the horses recover.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped these animals get the care they need and deserve,” said Dr. Brie Sarvis, director and chief veterinarian. “Help from the community has been vital during this process.”
Every dollar donated to the Spirit Fund goes directly to animal care — no administrative costs are deducted.
The Spirit Fund was created in 2008 after an abused puppy found at the U.S.–Mexico border made national headlines. Public generosity saved the puppy — later named Spirit — and inspired the County to establish a permanent fund to help other animals in crisis.
Those interested in donating can give online or mail a check payable to the Department of Animal Services. Write “Donation for Spirit Fund” in the memo line and mail it to 5821 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita, CA 91902. Donations are tax-deductible. The Department’s tax identification number is 95-6000934.
The Bonita shelter also accepts donations through its Amazon Wish List, which features enrichment items needed by shelter animals.
For updates on the rescue effort, visit the San Diego Humane Society’s Julian Rescue page.
County Animal Services continues to promote the humane and responsible care of pets by providing the unincorporated areas of San Diego County by providing 24-hour animal rescues, supporting people who can no longer care for their pets, investigating and stopping animal neglect and cruelty, enforcing state and local laws, and educating the public about animal welfare, restraint and licensing.
