The San Diego Humane Society conducted an unprecedented mass rescue at Villa Chardonnay Horses with Wings, an animal sanctuary in Julian housing over 600 animals, including more than 400 cats, 165 horses, and numerous farm animals. Many animals were found suffering from malnutrition, infections, and poor living conditions, with some euthanized due to their severe state. The sanctuary, which had faced years of legal disputes, animal welfare complaints, and financial troubles, is now undergoing bankruptcy proceedings with a court-appointed trustee managing the property and animals. The trustee is investigating the nonprofit’s operations and seeking to remove the founder and partner from the property.

The sanctuary’s financial struggles were marked by soaring costs for animal care that outpaced donations, leading to insolvency. Previous lawsuits involved disputes over animal welfare and defamation, culminating in a $2 million judgment against the nonprofit. The Humane Farming Association and other groups have stepped in to relocate many farm animals to a refuge in Northern California, while the Humane Society continues to care for remaining horses and other animals on-site. Efforts are also underway to reunite animals with their previous owners as the sanctuary’s future remains uncertain.