County allowed mistreatment of horses at ranch for years

Re “County seizes emaciated horses at Rancho Santa Fe ranch under scrutiny for years” (Sept. 16): As an area resident who has met with county officials and spoken at board meetings about Debra Barkley’s cruelty, I’m heartbroken that our leaders continue to ignore years of warnings.

For over a year, residents have urged District Attorney Summer Stephan to prosecute, sending more than 16,000 emails, yet horses remain neglected — and now another emaciated horse has been found.

Other counties, including Riverside and Santa Clara, have acted swiftly to protect horses and hold abusers accountable. San Diego County’s inaction is shameful. Our county must show compassion and enforce the law before more animals suffer.

— Zohra Fahim, Vista