As you may have read in the recent Press Democrat article, the Sonoma County District Attorney is intending to charge Lorenzo Martinez Salcedo with a misdemeanor crime of animal abuse instead of a felony. The lighter charge is upsetting and could allow Martinez Salcedo to continue owning horses and other animals which sends the wrong message to people who allow animals in their care to suffer. We want to show the DA and everyone in our county that we are watching and expect government action that protects vulnerable animals. The following is a message from Betsy Bueno of Lost Hearts and Souls Horse Rescue who directly witnessed the tragedy and is driving the community response:

“Ok, here we go.    We have a CHARGE finally on Lorenzo Martinez Salcedo.    Although very upset and disappointed on the charge of Misdemeanor only, we have to go on.    I’ll deal with Animal Control and the DA Office after this is done.   

“This is  VERY IMPORTANT that people of support for this sweet horse come to court for his arraignment, next Friday,  April 5th, 8:30am, Courtroom 4.   The DA’s Office needs to see us, the Judge needs to see us and the bad guy needs to see us.    The news media has reached out to me and wants to do a follow up both newspaper and Channel 2.   BUT, I need to tell them that there will be a large group of us there for support.   With that said,  Please tell me,  email me,   CAN YOU COME ?    I want to get at least an idea of how many of us will be there. on this email list.   I have some others not on this list that will be coming also.The plan is to all meet outside at 7:30am, get through the security check and walk in together as force”

Please email Betsy at BetsyBueno@aol.com if you plan to attend. Your support is greatly needed and appreciated! Both the DA and Animal Control need to see that the welfare of animals including horses is a BIG concern in this county. As voters and taxpayers we demand that our government agencies take serious and effective action.