Calif. Woman Charged with Animal Cruelty After Police Find 27 Dead Horses Across Several Properties

A woman in California has been arrested after 27 horses were found dead across multiple properties, authorities have confirmed.

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office along with Animal Services officers “executed a search warrant in Clements, Calif., in regards to an ongoing animal neglect investigation,” police said in a Facebook post.

“Multiple properties were searched. 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 sheriff’s office added, alongside multiple photos of the animals.

Police stated that 16 horses had been rescued and were “now in the care of professionals at the Oakdale Equine Rescue who will ensure they receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and rehabilitation,” but sadly four horses and a bull “had to be euthanized due to their extreme neglect.”

Officers confirmed Jan Johnson, of Clements, had been arrested and booked into the San Joaquin County jail and was now facing charges including cruelty to an animal and threatening a public official.

She’s also charged with criminal threats and possession of a short-barrel shotgun, police confirmed in the post.

“Our Animal Services Officers, along with veterinarians who were at the scene, immediately began to triage and evaluate the condition of the horses,” officers said of the investigation.

“Animal services officers and veterinarians are still currently evaluating additional horses and animals due to the size of the property,” authorities added on Wednesday, insisting that they are “committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community and will continue to investigate this matter.”

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Police thanked officers and the Animal Services team “for their dedication and swift action in addressing this situation,” as well as the Oakdale Equine Rescue team “for their incredible support” amid the investigation.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and the Oakdale Equine Rescue team did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.