A woman in Clements, California, was arrested on Wednesday following the disturbing discovery of 27 dead horses across several properties during a police investigation into animal neglect. Jan Johnson, the arrested individual, faces multiple charges including animal cruelty, threatening a public official, criminal threats, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun, as detailed by the Guardian.

Deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, together with animal control officers, executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing inquiry into suspected animal neglect. The conditions found were alarming; authorities reported that several horses exhibited signs of severe malnourishment and had "limited access to any food or water." Following evaluations, 16 horses were rescued and are currently under the care of Oakdale Equine Rescue to receive necessary medical attention and rehabilitation, while four horses and one bull had to be euthanized due to extreme neglect, as confirmed by reports from HuffPost.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has stated their commitment to protecting animal welfare and is continuing their investigation into the matter. Authorities indicated that they are still assessing the remaining animals on the properties, as the size of the investigation requires a thorough check of the area. According to SFGate, Oakdale Equine Rescue has also noted an influx of inquiries regarding the rescued horses, emphasizing that they are now the property of the county’s Animal Services department.

This incident is particularly concerning, given that Johnson has had previous legal issues relating to financial elder abuse, showcasing a troubling pattern. As the community rallies for support for the rescued horses, local animal rescue organizations are appealing for donations to assist in their rehabilitation efforts.

For further details, visit the original reports from The Guardian, ABC News, HuffPost, and SFGate.