Published Jul 6, 2026
Image Credit: San Diego Humane Society
Hundreds of cats removed from a sanctuary in Julian, California, are now recovering, with many already adopted into homes or placed through a specialized working-cat homes.
A large-scale animal rescue operation has been underway in Southern California since May 1, following the execution of a search warrant at Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, an animal sanctuary in Julian, California, by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and Humane Law Enforcement. Due to the number of animals requiring care—including horses, cats, dogs, and other species—San Diego County Animal Services transferred the case to the San Diego Humane Society, which has since led the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
More than 400 cats were among the 728 animals rescued by the SDHS in what Jace Huggins, SDHS Vice President and Chief of Humane Law Enforcement, described as “one of the largest and most complex rescues our organization has ever undertaken.” In addition to the cats, animal welfare teams have been caring for 175 horses, 30 dogs, and a variety of other animals, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, miniature ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, and pigs.
Image Credit: San Diego Humane Society
“It truly is appalling,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, SDHS president and CEO, in a press release. “There is no question at all about the neglect, at the very least, that occurred out there. I am very happy that these animals have a new chance at life.”
Within a week, all 446 cats were removed from the property and transported to various SDHS campuses where they were examined and treated for a variety of medical conditions, according to a SDHS press release.
Image Credit: San Diego Humane Society
“Most of the cats who were rescued by San Diego Humane Society needed extensive veterinary care for conditions including emaciation, untreated injuries, and a lack of basic care,” said Nina Thompson, director of public relations for the SDHS. “In the initial stages of the rescue, San Diego Humane Society received incredible medical support from Pasadena Humane Society and Humane World for Animals. We are so grateful to all the animal welfare organizations that stepped up to support this critical rescue.”
Image Credit: San Diego Humane Society
As of July 1, almost all the rescue cats had been adopted into pet homes or placed through SDHS’s Working Cat Program. Not all cats can adapt to traditional indoor pet homes, whether due to litter box challenges or because they are afraid to live indoors with a human family. Through the Working Cat Program, such cats can still live happy, healthy lives with owners who can provide care for them in outdoor shelters.
“Working Cats are under-socialized cats adopted into managed outdoor homes with a dedicated caregiver and safe shelter,” Thompson said. “Working Cat placements give under-socialized cats a stable, supervised home such as barns, sheds, and warehouses where they receive ongoing food, shelter, and vet care without forcing indoor life.”
Because SDHS’s shelters were already over capacity at the time of the Julian rescue, SDHS transferred 84 cats to partner organizations, including 65 that were transported to the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) via a Wings of Rescue flight.
“Transfers to trusted partners are incredibly helpful during large-scale rescues, especially as our shelters were already over capacity,” Thompson said. “We can redistribute resources, broaden the pool of potential adopters, and ultimately find these animals permanent homes much faster than any single organization could do alone.”
Image Credit: San Diego Humane Society
To date, no criminal charges have been filed against Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings or those associated with the sanctuary. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing evidence and evaluating the conditions found at the Julian animal facility following the removal of hundreds of animals amid allegations of animal neglect.
For more information and updates about the ongoing rescue effort, visit sdhumane.org.
