Why did Midpen staff tell the Board that concessionaire horses had received a veterinary health check when no such examination had occurred?
Why did Midpen order the removal of ailing horses from Bear Creek Stables during an active Animal Services investigation instead of ensuring they received needed veterinary care?
A failed promise
Horse Welfare at Bear Creek Stables
“We will certainly prioritize horse health and safety”
~ Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
August 2023
Photographs documented bloody injuries, festering wounds, and an emaciated looking horse at Bear Creek Stables. Midpen Director Craig Gleason personally observed the horses being unloaded, yet neither Midpen nor the boarders contacted animal control authorities. San Francisco Animal Care & Control after hearing about the failure to contact the authorities and seeing the photos, notified Santa Clara County Animal Services, citing “emaciated horse on property.”
September 2023
September 4, 2023 – Midpen’s Board received a packet documenting horse welfare concerns and proposing independent veterinary inspections, increased oversight, and reporting requirements.
Board took no public action.