Over 200 Sick Animals Rescued From Grass Valley Farm, 81 to be Adopted Upon Recovery

"A Grass Valley man was arrested on eight felony counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered 229 emaciated animals on the property, 14 of them dead and many infected with a highly contagious disease. Eighty-one will be available for adoption after recovery. As Sacramento's KCRA reports, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office conducted a welfare check on November 30 when a neighbor reported seeing several dead and sickly animals on the property."

"Authorities said 215 living animals were rescued, which were reportedly mostly sheep, as well as goats, dogs, horses, pigs, calves, chickens, a donkey, a cat, a pony, and a rabbit. Per the Sacramento Bee, Joshua Evan Grayson, 39, was arrested but hasn't been charged with eight felony counts of animal cruelty. In addition to the 14 animals that were found dead, three more were euthanized, and four additional animals died later."

"Per the Bee, many of the animals appeared to be infected with a highly contagious zoonotic disease, called Orf, or Sore Mouth Disease. An emergency pop-up rescue center was constructed on the property, with a veterinary specialist and the sheriff's Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team providing care to the animals. With cases like this, it's imperative that we take our time and conduct a thorough and complete investigation, Animal Control Supervisor Stefanie Geckler said in a news release, via the Bee. Every animal must be individually assessed and provided medical care and treatment specific to their health needs."

Authorities arrested a 39-year-old Grass Valley man on eight felony counts of animal cruelty after 229 emaciated animals were discovered on a property, with 14 found dead and many showing signs of a contagious disease. A welfare check on November 30 led to the rescue of 215 living animals, primarily sheep along with goats, dogs, horses, pigs, calves, chickens, a donkey, a cat, a pony, and a rabbit. Three animals were euthanized and four died later. Many appeared infected with Orf (Sore Mouth Disease). An emergency on-site rescue center with a veterinary specialist and a humane response team provided care. Eighty-one animals will need foster homes once medically cleared and will be available for adoption. Authorities emphasized thorough investigations and individualized medical treatment for each animal.

Read at sfist.com