Full Breakdown
Rescue at Villa Chardonnay Sanctuary in Julian, California
5/6/2026, 3:33:46 AM
Rescue Operation
In May 2026, SDHS led a rescue of hundreds of animals from Villa Chardonnay Horses with Wings, a 40-acre sanctuary in Julian, after ownership was transferred and a search warrant issued on May 3. Partners included Pasadena Humane Society, Marin Humane, and the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.
Background and Legal Context
Villa Chardonnay, founded by Monika Kerber in 2003, entered bankruptcy in 2025. Complaints from groups such as the Humane Farming Association cited overcrowding and inadequate care. California lacks an agency to regulate sanctuaries; San County Animal Services obtained a court order to enter the property in April 2026 and transferred the case to SDHS on April 24.
Timeline
April 24 2026 – case transferred to SDHS.
May 3 2026 – court order and search warrant; animal removal began.
May 4-6 2026 – transport, documentation and veterinary treatment continued.
Investigation remains open with no charges as of mid-May.
Rescue Scale, Animal Conditions, and Conflicting Numbers
Officials rescued over 500 animals: about 165 horses/ponies, >300 cats, 30 dogs, and other species. SDHS transferred 334 cats, 30 dogs, 29 chickens, 8 ducks, 4 geese, 4 turkeys, 12 goats, 3 pigs and one sheep. Four horses, one pony, a bull and several neonatal kittens were euthanized. Veterinarians found neck lacerations on cats, severe emaciation, ringworm, giardia and untreated injuries; one cat’s wound exposed neck musculature. Horses showed seizures and decline. The cattery held ~300 cats in a 900-sq-ft space, far above recommended density. Reports differ: some cite “more than 400” rescued, others “over 500.”
Official Statements & Disputed Claims
SDHS called the sanctuary’s conditions severe neglect, citing malnutrition, untreated wounds and disease, and said euthanasia required consensus among veterinarians. The society’s public-relations office said the investigation remains active and evidence is under review for possible criminal charges. Sanctuary spokesperson Heidi Redman denied neglect, asserting daily feeding, veterinary care and that the animals were “like their children.” She said owners Monika Kerber and Mercedes Flores were devastated and accused investigators of criminalizing them. SDHS countered that on-site observations documented emaciation, open wounds and disease, contradicting the sanctuary’s claims. Legislators note the lack of a statewide regulatory agency for sanctuaries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The conditions were very overly concerning for me,” — Jace Huggins, SDHS chief
- “It truly is appalling. It really is. There’s no question in my mind that this is in the best interest of those animals welfare,” — Gary Weitzman, SDHS CEO
- “There is no neglect, no abuse of any of these animals. They were well taken care of,” — Heidi Redman, Villa Chardonnay spokesperson
- “What our teams observed on-site does not align with the claim that these animals were well cared for," Thompson said in a statement to CNS on Sunday.” — Nina Thompson, SDHS public-relations
What’s Next
SDHS will continue medical care, stabilization and placement of rescued animals, though many remain too fragile for adoption. The society seeks donations and foster homes. State legislators are drafting a bill to create a single agency overseeing sanctuaries and rescues, a reform SDHS officials deem essential to prevent future neglect.
