Farm Animals Now Settling in at Humane Farming Association Sanctuary
San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is providing an update on the large-scale rescue and investigation at the Villa Chardonnay property in Julian, including a significant milestone: 74 rescued farm animals have now been transferred to the Humane Farming Association’s (HFA) Suwanna Ranch in Elk Creek, CA, where they are doing well as they begin their next chapter.
Transports to Suwanna Ranch began Friday, May 15, 2026. On the first trip, two potbellied pigs, 12 goats, one sheep and three chickens were transported from County Animal Services in Bonita. On Saturday, transport efforts continued with 29 chickens, four geese, four turkeys and eight ducks. On Sunday, four donkeys, one mini mule, five mini horses and one horse departed from Julian for Suwanna Ranch.
The horse, now named Ginger, was not initially scheduled for transport, however SDHS Humane Officers noticed a strong bond the horse had formed with a mini horse, now named Fred. To keep the pair together, SDHS asked HFA if the two could be transferred as a duo. HFA immediately agreed, welcoming Fred and Ginger to Suwanna Ranch so the two companions could make the journey and their new start side by side.
Two alpacas who were not ready for the long drive to Elk Creek for risk of overheating, were brought to SDHS’s Escondido Campus. They will be moved once their thick coats have been sheared and they can safely be transported. There is also a pig remaining at County Animal Services in Bonita, who could not be moved due to health concerns.
The farm animals are doing well, with birds undergoing health monitoring before release into the larger flock and goats and pigs happily settling into their new home.
“All the rescued farm animals are settling in really well, especially considering what they’ve been through,” said Grace Wainscoat, attorney for the Humane Farming Association. “It’s so gratifying to see these neglected animals enjoying their spacious new forever homes at HFA’s Suwanna Ranch.”
“After enduring far too much neglect, these farm animals are finally safe and beginning new lives in the comfort and care they deserve,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “Suwanna Ranch is what a sanctuary should be—thoughtful, spacious and equipped to meet the unique needs of every individual animal.”
The Julian Rescue operation stems from long-standing concerns about animal welfare at Villa Chardonnay. Although the property lives outside of SDHS’s standard jurisdiction, the case was officially transferred from San Diego County Animal Services to SDHS on April 24, 2026, due to the extreme scope of the rescue and complications related to an ongoing bankruptcy proceeding.
Since October 2025, HFA advocated to the bankruptcy court and trustee on the urgent need for comprehensive veterinary assessment of the animals. HFA conducted a veterinary inspection and produced a report in April, documenting the severe neglect, including emaciation, untreated injuries and lack of basic care.
The evidence required swift follow up care and urgent treatment for many animals. SDHS investigated the report, conducted its own inspection, and served a search warrant on May 1, 2026. That evidence prompted the bankruptcy trustee to request a legal transfer of the animals and the judge subsequently granted SDHS ownership of the animals on the property.
Since May 1, more than 700 animals have been located on the property, including cats, dogs and numerous other species.
This effort involves collaboration with multiple animal welfare organizations, including:
- San Diego County Animal Services and their CART Teams
- Humane Farming Association
- Humane World for Animals
- Pasadena Humane
- Marin Humane
- LA County Animal Care & Control
- East County Large and Small Animal Practice (ECLAP)
This is an active and ongoing investigation. SDHS will continue to provide updates at sdhumane.org/julianrescue.
Category: Animals, Donations, Local News, Nature, Nonprofit, Volunteers
