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3 arrested in Lockwood animal cruelty case
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More from Breaking NewsThree people were arrested this morning in connection with an investigation into suspected animal cruelty at a Lockwood Valley horse ranch, authorities said.
Joan Bor, 65; her son, Ernie Bor, 30; and his wife, Cecelia Bor, 35, were arrested after Ventura County sheriff's deputies served a search warrant about 7 a.m. today at their Cochema Ranch at 16439 Curtis Trail in Frazier Park, sheriff's spokesman Capt. Ross Bonfiglio said.
All three were arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of felony animal cruelty, Bonfiglio said.
Authorities continued searching the ranch this morning for evidence that the ranch operators failed to provide proper sustenance for the horses, Bonfiglio said.
The investigation into suspected animal cruelty began in late September after neighbors complained to Lockwood Valley deputies that horses were being neglected and underfed at the Cochema Ranch.
Authorities removed 14 of more than 100 horses at the ranch last week after finding them malnourished and in need of immediate medical treatment. The horses were taken to the Ventura County Animal Shelter in Camarillo. One horse had to be euthanized late last week after it collapsed, authorities said.
Ranch owner Joan Bor said last week that the horses were not neglected at her ranch. She said her son bought several of the thinnest horses recently to prevent them from being killed, and that others were simply ill.
Today's arrests came after an investigation by the Sheriff's Department, District Attorney's Office, Humane Society of Ventura County and Ventura County Animal Regulation, which determined that neglect at the ranch rose to the level of criminal animal cruelty, Bonfiglio said.
More than 20 law enforcement personnel were at the ranch this morning, along with four veterinarians, he said.
It was not immediately clear how authorities would handle the horses still at the ranch.
Humane Society officials last week were working with ranch owners to protect those horses.
Posted by Whodathunkit on October 8, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is so, so sad and beyond words. How can people neglect animals to this point? It just grieves my heart and thankfully there are those concerned enough to pay attention to situations like this and the authorities who stepped in. Thank God these horses will be given the care they so deserve and need now.
Posted by Relvd98 on October 8, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Put who to sleep llamanoodle? The owners of the ranch or the horses?
If there is anything in this world that saddens and disturbs me, is definately cruelty to animals. I just cannot come to terms how in the world people can do this. Sad indeed, but good thing they were rescued and unfortunately, it was too late for one horse.
Posted by Relvd98 on October 8, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
llamadoodle-I kinda knew that was the answer, but wasn't quite sure =)
Posted by missmary on October 8, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to adopt them if I could. Is there a fund set up yet to assist the county with the costs involved? If so, where do I sign up? Thanks to the persons who turned in the Ranch Owners, you will go to heaven. MM
Posted by Snafu on October 8, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God the agencies have arrested these people!!! I have been following this story for weeks.
Llamadoodle, you guessed it! Ernie Bor IS on the chubby side. Check out the on-camera interview at:
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/home/vi...
He needs to feel what it is like to starve a bit. HE hasn't missed any meals. He claims how he was trying to "save" these horses from an uncertain future at auction. Instead, he buys them and lets them starve to death? He is either completely ignorant or is a total moron. Either way, he's a cruel man and I hope that justice is served.
Posted by keem_s on October 8, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It looks like Ernie and several of those cops need to spend some time in one of those hot walkers.
Posted by BeaHappi on October 8, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was over by the animal shelter just the other day and saw the horses. A couple of them are very, very thin. Hopefully they are on the mend; they seemed to be eating good.
Urgh! These people should be tarred & feathered...and starved!
Posted by libertyrider on October 8, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks londoncalling for sharing the video clip. I don't have cable so I get all my news online.
As for Bor saying they were "over bombarded" & later said they "didn't have any options", that is just a load of crap.
They are adults for crying out loud. If you're overwhelmed, call Animal Control or the Humane Society. Give horses away if you can't sell them, but you don't let them get in that condition.
YOU ALWAYS HAVE OPTIONS Mr. Bor. You just chose not to use any of them. You are no better than a person who stuffs puppies or kitties in a bag & throws them on the side of the road.
You all deserve a whole lot more than you'll probably end up getting.
Posted by patthomas1 on October 8, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Humane Society of Ventura County is now primarily meeting the expenses for these horses, and their condition is desperate. The Humane Society needs donations of funds of course, fly masks, feed and water troughs, shavings for bedding, and gift cards which can be used at feed stores. Please consider sending a donation to the Humane Society of Ventura County, PO Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024.
Posted by keepin_it_real on October 8, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a pathetic looser. If you can't take care of your animals, give them away. Dumb A$$es. Yes, these people (if you can call them that) need a taste of their own medicine. I hope the horsies will be strong soon and they will get good homes.
Posted by jill on October 8, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These poor, innocent creatures were totally dependent on these losers. I'm sure the losers fed themselves when they were hungry. How could they look out the window and see starving horses and do nothing?? What kind of monster does that? Makes me so angry...and sad.
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