East County News Services • June 13, 2026

County Animal Services treating horses from Julian rescue, relying on Spirit Fund

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Photo courtesy County of San Diego

East County News Services



June 12, 2026 (Bonita) — The San Diego County Department of Animal Services is currently caring for several horses at its Bonita shelter, following a massive rescue operation at Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings Inc. in Julian last month where hundreds of animals were discovered living without proper care.


The scale of the May seizure was significant enough to require assistance from animal welfare organizations across the country. As part of the ongoing triage and recovery efforts, two of the six horses that were being housed at the Bonita facility were transported to the Humane Society of Ventura County on Wednesday, June 10 for additional, specialized care.


None of the horses rescued are available for adoption at this point.


To support the complex medical needs of the severe neglect cases, Animal Services is utilizing the Spirit Medical Fund, a donation-based account specifically reserved for animals arriving at county shelters requiring intensive medical intervention or facing extraordinary circumstances.


“Thank you to everyone who has helped these animals get the care they need and deserve,” Dr. Brie Sarvis, director and chief veterinarian for County Animal Services, told county officials. “Help from the community has been vital during this process.”


The Spirit Fund was established in 2008 after an abused puppy — later named Spirit — was found at the United States-Mexico border. The puppy’s high-profile rescue generated a wave of public generosity, prompting the county to create a permanent financial resource for animals in crisis.


According to the department, 100 percent of every dollar donated to the Spirit Fund goes directly to animal care, with zero administrative deductions.


Community donations have been critical in offsetting the costs of the Julian rescue recovery.

Tax-deductible contributions to the Spirit Fund (Tax ID: 95-6000934) can be made online or mailed via check payable to the Department of Animal Services. Checks should include “Donation for Spirit Fund” in the memo line and be mailed to 5821 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902.


Additionally, the Bonita shelter is accepting physical donations through its Amazon Wish List to provide enrichment items for the animals currently in its care.


For updates regarding the broader ongoing rescue effort, the public can visit the San Diego Humane Society’s Julian Rescue page.



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