Adoptions completed for former Grace Foundation horses

El Dorado County Animal Services officials announced that adoptions have been completed for all the horses the county received last year from the former Grace Foundation.

Animal Services took protective custody and care of 90 horses on Nov. 20, after the Grace Foundation’s lease was terminated by the landowner. A hearing on Jan. 7 found that the agency had reasonable cause to retrieve the 90 animals for their welfare. The hearing officer also found that the owners of the animals were liable for the cost of the seizure and care, according to a county news release. The owners had until Jan. 27 to pay liens and show that they could provide care for the horses, but they failed to claim the animals.

The county then began to work with animal welfare groups, which assisted with placement and adoption of the animals. Animal Services announced Tuesday that homes were found for all except six horses, either by adoption to members of the public, or through horse rescue or sanctuary groups. For medical reasons and on the recommendation of two independent veterinarians, six horses were euthanized, county officials said.

“We want to thank everyone in the community and all the volunteers who either adopted a horse or provided support to our agency through this process,” Don Ashton, director of the the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, said in a written statement.

He also thanked the landowner who allowed the animals to remain on the property that Grace Foundation had occupied until homes for the horses were found.

This story was originally published March 31, 2015 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Adoptions completed for former Grace Foundation horses."