Gilroy neglected horses case taking too long, protesters say

People in Gilroy are outraged over an investigation into neglected horses they say has taken too long. The owner of those horses said Monday he’s done nothing wrong.

“It’s been over two years – how long does it take to see the abuse that has gone on?” said Trina Hineser, one of the protesters picketing outside the Santa Clara County government building in Gilroy Monday.

Protesters say a man named Humberto Rivas has done very little to take care of his herd. He owns dozens of horses on two different properties. One in Gilroy and the other in Morgan Hill.

An investigation has been underway by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and animal control for the past three weeks.

Monica Hardeman of the Equine Rescue Center in San Benito County decided to act.

“We bought 10 and the cost was $11,000,” Hardeman said.

Among those 10 she bought from Rivas, nine survived. She said a colt ironically named “Justice” didn’t make it.

“The one month I have had the horses that I rescued, their change in their bodies is amazing,” she said.

A neighbor let News Channel 5 onto their property. From the backyard we were able to take a look at Rivas’ horses. While they ate some hay, we didn’t see any water.

“Those horses have water all the time,” Rivas told us. He added that his horses are in good condition.

“When somebody gives you one skinny horse it’s impossible (to get him healthy within) one week or two weeks,” he said referring to Justice. He claimed that Justice was given to him and the colt’s health had nothing to do with his care.

Protesters say they want the horses seized while the DA investigates.

“We ask the public to understand that careful investigations take time. Once the facts have been established and the case has been reviewed, we will let the public know our conclusions,” the DA’s office said in a written statement.

Supervising Deputy DA Stephen Lowney said his office is not ready to make any further comments about this case. He said releasing any more information at this time could impede their investigation.