Last week in the early morning hours of July 30th someone snuck into the gated Rockridge Farm in Ranch Santa Fe and fed 23 American Saddlebred horses oleander leaves mixed with carrots and apples. Farm owners Debbie and Bill Tomin were shocked to find the horses with the toxic leaves in their stalls. Three of the horses had to be hospitalized and all are expected to make a full recovery with no permanent damage to the heart. Only one horse is still at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital and is expected to come home today.
Whoever did the deed was able to go undetected in the middle of the night. Six people live about 25 feet behind the barn and next to the broodmare paddocks. 20 horses in the barn and 3 broodmares in the paddocks were fed the harmful concoction.
The Tomin’s have offered a $10,000 reward to find the culprits. The San Diego Humane Society has also added $2,500 to the offer. Tomin stated that Crimestoppers also adds $1,000 if the person calls in through their service.
The Tomin’s thank all that have shared their concerns. They are in the process of installing surveillance equipment to deter any further criminal behavior. Call San Diego County CrimeStoppers at 888-580-8477 or e-mail rsfsickhorses@gmail.com. |
