This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

A California woman is facing multiple charges following the discovery of 80 dead horses and dozens more in horrifying states being kept across three of her properties as well as other neglected and deceased animals. Demand maximum sentencing in this case!

According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, a months-long investigation led to a warrant allowing officers to search all three properties. On January 22, 2025, they found 27 horses had died and many more were in a heartbreaking state of neglect at one of them. At the two additional properties, a total of 53 horses, one cow, and one dog were also found dead.

Oakdale Equine Rescue took in 93 horses, four donkeys, three llamas, and one mule. Sadly, of the animals still found clinging to life, 13 horses, one donkey, and a bull were euthanized because of extreme neglect. The survivors are malnourished, have skin conditions, missing eyes, deformed legs, and neglected hooves, among other health issues.

They're now getting the care and rehabilitation they need and the property owner Jan Johnson has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty, threatening a public official, criminal threats, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun.
 

While she, unfortunately, made bail, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office is still compiling evidence involving each animal to present to the district attorney's office to ensure she is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and can't hurt any more animals.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Maximum Penalties for Woman Who Starved Dozens of Horses & Other Animals to Death

I’m writing in support of your prosecution of Jan Johnson who is facing multiple charges following a search warrant that led to the discovery of many deceased animals: 80 horses, a dog, and a cow, all in a horrifying state of negligent death in January.

According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, a months-long investigation led to a warrant allowing officers to search all three properties. On January 22, 2025, they found 27 horses had died and many more in a heartbreaking state of neglect at one of them. At the two additional properties a total of 53 horses, one cow and one dog were also found dead. 
 
Oakdale Equine Rescue took in 93 horses, four donkeys, three llamas, and one mule. Sadly, of the animals found barely clinging to life, 13 horses, one donkey, and a bull were euthanized because of extreme neglect. The survivors are malnourished, have skin conditions, missing eyes, deformed legs, and neglected hooves, among other health issues.
 
I applaud the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and the rescuers involved for their swift action to help the surviving animals. I’m also pleased to learn the Sheriff’s Office is still compiling evidence involving each animal to present to your office to ensure you have a solid case and has pledged to work to hold her accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
 
I hope you will use the power of your office to see that Johnson is prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent for each and every deceased and surviving animal with a long prison sentence, a mental health evaluation and treatment, and is never allowed to be around animals again. The level of apathy shown here is inexcusable and I look forward to learning she has been held fully accountable for this cruelty.
 
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.