Merced County Sheriff’s Office looking into killing of four horses in 2025
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that it is aware of a video circulating on social media of the killing of four horses at an Atwater property last year.
The video was published on Facebook and YouTube by Animals’ Angels USA, an animal rights group based in Maryland.
According to the animal rights group, the body camera video depicts horses being shot to death March 28, 2025. The video is graphic. Animals’ Angels USA has created an online petition to “demand accountability.”
The animal rights group claims the following:
- The incident happened on a property owned by horse trader Don Gatz.
- One horse survived for more than 40 minutes after being shot.
- Another reportedly required six gunshots before finally dying.
- Body cameras were muted and turned off during portions of the incident.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office responded to the video with its own social media post Wednesday.
“We understand the concerns expressed by members of our community and appreciate those who have brought this matter to our attention,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
The sheriff’s office said it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including applicable best practices, ethical considerations and accepted industry standards, the post said.
According to the sheriff’s office, veterinary professionals and animal services staff were present during the event.
According to the California Food and Agriculture department “Cattle & Horse Euthanasia Guidelines,” euthanasia of horses by gunshot is legal for emergency situations.
According to the state guidelines, the aim of emergency euthanasia is “to provide a quick and humane death to prevent or minimize suffering.”
Veterinarians can inject barbiturates to euthanize a horse.
“Penetrating captive bolt and gunshot are the two best options for emergency euthanasia available to non-veterinarians,” the state guidelines say. “Advantages of a firearm are that it leads to instantaneous death, is inexpensive, and does not require physical contact with the animal.”
It also says that death should be confirmed within five minutes after the shooting.
In its petition, Animals’ Angels USA is seeking a “full and independent investigation.”
“The public deserves a full accounting of what happened that day and confidence that every reasonable step has been taken to investigate both the treatment of these horses and the actions of those responsible for protecting them,” the animal rights group’s petition says.
Meanwhile, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said it is “gathering all relevant information to ensure a thorough and objective review.”
“We appreciate the public’s patience and concern as we conduct this process,” the sheriff’s office Facebook post said. “Additional information will be provided if appropriate once our review is complete.”
