Euclid Auction, CA 3/5/11

Investigators arrived at the monthly horse auction in Euclid, CA at 3:00pm.The temperature was 86 Degrees Fahrenheit and many horses were tied out in pens that offered no shade. The water available in the pens was dirty and full of algae. Several of the horses were tied to the pens, making it impossible for them to drink. The majority of the horses was in acceptable condition, however, two emaciated horses were observed. One yearling was very frightened and auction employees were observed jerking him around violently. A stallion was tied firmly to an outside pen and tried to jump the pen several times until finally an auction employee noticed and untied him. The sale barn was crowded with visitors; Most of the horses were ridden through the sale ring. Local kill buyers were bidding on all the cheaper horses.