Nineteen of the 22 horses seized last month from Ramona woman Lori Patton found new homes over the weekend, the San Diego County Department of Animal Services reported Monday (August 26).

After a herd of malnourished horses was found wandering along Highway 78 near Ramona in May, they were returned to their pasture by California Highway Patrol and Intermountain Fire and Rescue officers. Animal Services monitored the herd, noting that Patton was not providing them with food or water. In the interest of the animals’ welfare, ten horses were removed from her property shortly thereafter and subsequently adopted

In July, authorities determined that Patton had not improved living conditions for her remaining animals, and those remaining on the property including 22 more horses, eight dogs, a cat, a rabbit, a guinea pig, and three mice were taken by the County.

After nursing the horses back to health, an adoption event was held Saturday, with prospective new owners completing a pre-screening process beforehand. Sixteen families, including one from as far away as Iowa, adopted all 19 of the horses ready for new homes. Another mare and two foals, still not ready for permanent homes, will be placed in the care of a local animal rescue group.