While the horses are currently being tended by volunteers, whether any animal cruelty charges will be filed remains unknown.
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office is awaiting the final veterinarian report on the condition of the three horses before filing papers with the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office, according to Sheriff Tom Allman.
Allman is well aware of the concerns of many area residents for these horses, as he posted social media updates in the hours leading up to and following the seizure of the horses.
Once District Attorney David Eyster receives the report, he will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges.
The last significant animal cruelty case involving a group of horses was the nearly four-year-long James Denoyer case, which began in 2005 and ended in a guilty plea in August 2008 when he was placed on probation.
Mendocino County ended up paying $20,000 to Denoyer's brother-in-law to settle a civil defamation case that evolved from the original animal cruelty case.
(Willits News - Feb 7, 2013)
