Dozens Of Horses Displaced After Illegal Dumping Operation Found At Richmond Stable

RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- Some Richmond horse owners have until December 3 to move their animals after an illegal dumping operation was discovered at their stable.

The city happened upon the 17-year-old barn when officers were investigating an illegal transfer station. According to the East Bay Times, debris, old furniture and other trash was stored on one part of the property and the horse boarding facility was operating on another part.

The stable, located at 2777 Giant Road, housed several dozen horses. Officials said the animals all appeared to be well-fed and healthy, but the location is not zoned for horses.

Boarders paid only $160 a month and the facility is described as "rundown," but it lies in close proximity to scenic riding trails at nearby Point Pinole Regional Park. Stables in the vicinity charge boarders 5 times as much.

Cliff Yamashita said the cheap rent will be hard to match. It allowed "blue-collar workers to have a horse."

"There really is not an area where we can move these horses that is nearby," said Jabier Castaneda. He says the places he has called, so far, do not have room.

Many of the horses have already been moved, but there are about 50 still on the property. Contra Costa Animal Services is reaching out to horse rescue groups who may be able to take the horses in after Dec. 3.