Photo: overgrown hoof
OLANCHA – The Burro Sanctuary in Olancha was the scene on March 11 of the execution of a search and seizure warrant by deputies from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department.
Owner and operator Diane Chantos was arrested and booked for felony animal cruelty. An inspection by an Animal Services representative resulted in discovering “160 burros, mules, horses and other livestock suffering from varying degrees of long-term neglect.”
Many of the animals had hooves so overgrown that they could not stand due to their condition.
The animals were relocated to another regional care facility. In addition, a veterinarian checked the health of the animals before they were transferred.
The sanctuary housed nine horses, seven mules and 150 burros. Also, one dog, one cow and two mini donkeys found new homes.
Sadly, six burros were euthanized due to their condition.
