March 11, 2022 - The Merced County Sheriff's Office reports on March 6th, 2022, Animal Control Officers responded to a residence on Highway 59 for a welfare check on a horse.

When officers arrived, they could not locate the horse on the property. Officers spoke with the suspect, Anthony Johnson, who provided more information which led to the search of two additional properties. The horse was still not located after these additional checks.

The following day, Merced County Sheriff’s Deputies and Animal Services Bureau staff revisited the property on Highway 59. Evidence showed that multiple horses on the property had been severely abused. At that time, Deputies arrested Anthony for felony animal cruelty charges.

Due to the severity of the situation, eight horses on the property were seized and taken to our shelter for medical care and treatment.

We’re extremely proud of our Deputies and our Animal Control Officers for their teamwork and diligence in this case.

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office