Man arrested after over 200 animals rescued from Northern California property
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Sheriff investigators rescued 215 animals found at a Grass Valley property.
- A man arrested told investigators he was in the process of opening an animal rescue.
- A total of 20 animals were found dead or died in the days that followed.
Nevada County sheriff’s officials arrested a Grass Valley man on suspicion of animal cruelty after authorities rescued more than 200 animals from a property where some animals were found dead, sickly or emaciated.
On Thursday, investigators arrested the 39-year-old man on eight felony counts of animal cruelty, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release.
Custody records show he was released Friday from the Nevada County Jail after posting bail. Nevada Superior Court records show the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office has not yet formally charged the Grass Valley man. It’s unclear when he’s scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment hearing.
The investigation began Nov. 30 when a caller reported suspected animal neglect on a private property on Meyer Ravine Road in Grass Valley. Sheriff’s officials said they went to the property that same day and spotted numerous deceased animals, along with sickly and emaciated animals.
The sheriff’s Animal Control Division went to the property with a veterinary specialist and the sheriff’s Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team.
The Grass Valley man, who was arrested more than a week later, arrived on Nov. 30 at the property and was cooperative with investigators. Sheriff’s officials said the man told investigators that he was in the process of opening an animal rescue.
California law allows animal control officers to take possession of neglected and mistreated animals with or without a warrant, according to the Sheriff’s Office. They decided to take several animals from the property that day and returned the following morning with a search warrant.
Grass Valley property housed 229 animals
Sheriff’s officials said deputies and animal control officers thoroughly searched the property and inside a home on Dec. 1. They determined that the property housed 229 animals.
Over those two days, 215 living animals were rescued. Sheriff’s officials said most of the animals rescued were sheep, but some were goats, dogs, horses, pigs, calves, chickens, a donkey, a cat, a pony and a rabbit. Authorities found a total of 14 animals dead on the property.
Sheriff’s officials said three additional animals could not be saved and were humanely euthanized by a veterinary specialist. Four more animals could not be saved from their original ailments and died in the days that followed, bringing the death toll to 21 animals. Six of the deceased animals underwent necropsy at UC Davis Veterinary with the results still pending, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Many of the animals appeared to be infected with severe Orf, also known as Sore Mouth Disease, which is a highly contagious zoonotic disease and can easily be transferred to both animals and humans, sheriff’s officials said.
Animal adoption
Volunteers on the sheriff’s animal rescue team set up an emergency pop-up rescue center on county-owned land with logistics support provided by the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Lighting, water and other supplies needed for the pop-up center were provided by Robinson’s Enterprises. The Nevada County Animal Shelter also had a key role in arranging quarantine and care for 47 animals at various locations.
“With cases like this, it’s imperative that we take our time and conduct a thorough and complete investigation,” Animal Control Supervisor Stefanie Geckler said in the news release. “Every animal must be individually assessed and provided medical care and treatment specific to their health needs.”
The sheriff’s animal rescue team volunteers, the Nevada County Animal Shelter and others have provided ongoing care to the animals.
The Grass Valley man arrested relinquished ownership of 81 of the animals, which will be available for adoption through Sammie’s Friends at the Nevada County Animal Shelter when they are medically cleared for release. Sheriff’s officials said foster homes will be needed once the remaining animals are medically cleared.
