Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, a large animal sanctuary in San Diego County, long promoted itself as a refuge for unwanted animals, showcasing healthy horses and cats in a 2023 video tour. However, a recent seizure by rescue organizations revealed severe neglect, including malnutrition, untreated wounds, and infections among hundreds of animals. This incident is part of a broader pattern across Southern California, where multiple large-scale rescues have exposed similar conditions, highlighting challenges such as funding shortages, rising costs, and insufficient oversight for animal sanctuaries and rescues.

Many sanctuaries are founded by well-meaning individuals who struggle with the financial and logistical demands of caring for large numbers of animals. Villa Chardonnay itself filed for bankruptcy in 2025 amid foreclosure and financial difficulties, despite receiving some donations and family support. Advocates note that economic pressures and reduced donations have worsened conditions, leading to overcrowding and neglect, though intentional cruelty is often not the cause. The San Diego Humane Society has since removed hundreds of animals from the property, with some suffering animals euthanized to prevent further suffering, underscoring the urgent need for better support and regulation of animal rescue operations.