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DeSousa, Dan
Re: Question for you
Sunday, February 18, 2018 9:56:12 AM

Dan,
I am following up to your question below regarding the question of eyes from horses killed at
an equine rescue -Hi Caliber Horse Rescue- in your area.
I have made direct contact with all eye researchers within the school of veterinary medicine
including equine ophthalmology faculty and there is no one who has any knowledge or
association with receiving eyes from this or any other rescue.
You can reach me at

if you would like to discuss further.

Regards,

On 2/11/18 11:27 AM, DeSousa, Dan wrote:
:
 
First and foremost, I hope that this email finds you well!  I have missed being able to
work with you and your team in the areas of disaster planning and response.  We have
a situation here in San Diego that has evolved to include UC Davis and I was hoping that
you could either answer my questions or point me in the right direction.
 
My agency requested that a third party (SPCA Los Angeles) conduct an investigation
into a horse rescue in San Diego County based upon complaints regarding the care of
the horses.  As part of SPCALA’s investigation, they learned that this rescue, after
euthanizing a horse by gunshot is harvesting organs.  Reportedly, the eyes of the horses
are being sent to UC Davis.
 
We are simply trying to confirm as to whether or not this is actually correct and, if it is
correct, if we can ascertain how many organs have been delivered to UC Davis and if
the rescue is being compensated for the organs.
 
The rescue is called Hi Caliber Horse Rescue at 11223 Calle Oro Verde in Valley Center
CA 92082 and their President goes by either Michelle Cochran or Michelle Knuttila.

  
Any assistance that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
 
Sincerely,
 
Daniel E. DeSousa, CAWA, Director
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO   Department of Animal Services
5480 Gaines Street, San Diego CA 92110   MS H-39
619.767.2766 (office) 619.823.4959 (mobile)

 
www.sddac.com

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