Five Horses Found Dead Near Tracy

TRACY, Calif. (KCBS) Authorities say five horses found dead in a pasture near Tracy appeared to have died of thirst.

San Joaquin County deputies said the horses were left without water in 90-degree temperatures for at least three days before being found in the pasture in an unincorporated area near Tracy .

County Animal Control Director Scott Hudson said they received calls about the horses around 10 a.m. Thursday morning and were horrified to find five dead horses and two others in very bad shape.

"We got a vet out that hydrated the two horses that were in bad shape. And they've been since taken to a vet," said Hudson. "And the five dead horses will be properly disposed of."

Hudson said there was very little shade in the area and the lone water trough in the field was empty.

"It's a tragic situation when you have animals dying.  And it is upsetting to people and quite frankly, our animal control officers are very sensitive to those things as well," said Hudson.

The owner of the horses is now being questioned by the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.