Authorities initially reported 27 dead horses after searching properties in and around Clements, California, on January 22, 2025; searches of two additional properties later raised the reported total to 53. The case later expanded to include animal-cruelty charges against Jan Ann Johnson and Justine Fitzhenry. The available reporting does not establish a conviction or final resolution, so both women should be described as accused, not convicted.
What investigators found in Clements
San Joaquin County authorities searched several properties near Clements on January 22, 2025, after months of reported animal-neglect concerns. The first search produced reports of 27 dead horses. Searches of two additional properties later brought the reported total to 53 dead horses. Investigators also reported finding a dead cow and a dead dog.
The investigation had started before the January searches. According to reporting on the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office account, officials had received multiple reports involving horses connected to Jan Ann Johnson and first contacted her in August 2024. A response to a reported rooster fight on January 4, 2025, preceded the larger search-warrant operation.
Authorities also removed surviving animals. The sheriff’s office reported rescuing approximately 90 horses, five donkeys, and three alpacas. It later reported that 13 horses, one bull, and one donkey had to be euthanized because of their medical condition. Rescue and euthanasia totals varied slightly in reports published at different stages, so these figures should be treated as agency reports, not a final independent audit.
#1 Best Overall
- PROTECT THE JOINTS THAT CARRY YOUR TRAINING: Helps protect and maintain joint health and function. Cushion your joints during exercise, training, and lifting while promoting elasticity, flexibility and range of motion
- FOUR WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR JOINTS: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM support cartilage and flexibility; Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid aid tissue and lubrication; Flaxseed Oil keeps joints moving smoothly; Turmeric and Ginger ease training-related inflammation.
- BUILT FOR EVERY STAGE OF TRAINING: Whether you're managing the wear and tear of age, extra weight, or heavy sports-related stress on your joints, Animal Flex is formulated for men and women who refuse to let joint discomfort slow down their training.
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: Every dose comes in its own individual pack for grab-and-go convenience meaning no bottles, no measuring, no mess - just tear, take and go, wherever training takes you
- TRUSTED QUALITY SINCE 1983: Manufactured in our family-owned NSF GMP Certified U.S. facility, every batch is made under the highest standards. We don't take shortcuts and neither should you.
Who has been charged?
Jan Ann Johnson, 62, of Clements, was arrested on January 22, 2025. Her initial booking allegations included animal cruelty, threatening a public official, criminal threats, and possession of a short-barrel shotgun.
In May 2025, prosecutors filed the later animal-cruelty case against Johnson and arrested Justine Fitzhenry, also identified as a Clements resident. News reports based on information from the sheriff and district attorney described the allegations as follows:
| Defendant | Reported allegations |
|---|---|
| Jan Ann Johnson | 21 felony animal-cruelty counts, 16 misdemeanor animal-cruelty counts, plus firearms and cockfighting-related allegations |
| Justine Fitzhenry | Three felony animal-cruelty counts, one misdemeanor animal-cruelty count, and a cockfighting-related misdemeanor |
Early accounts differed in how they summarized the filings. The exact counts should be checked against the court docket and charging documents rather than inferred from a headline or an early booking report.
Rank #2
- The Complete Joint Support Supplement: Easy-to-mix, delicious, all-in-one powder that repairs, protects, and maintains joint health and function. Cushions joints during training and lifting, promoting elasticity and flexibility
- Proven and Powerful Formula: Helps maintain joints with Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM, promotes healthy connective tissue with collagen, lubricates joints with Flaxseed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, and supports rehabilitation & soreness with turmeric & ginger
- Convenient Daily Dose: Unlike many joint supplements, a single daily dose of Animal Flex is all you need. No complicated cycles; just effective and consistent joint relief to ease any discomfort that may come with age, weight, or sports related stress
- Made to the Highest Quality & Safety Standards: All of our products are produced in our GMP certified US plant, and every batch is 3rd party lab tested for quality, safety and potency; our products work synergistically across our range
- Trusted by Performance Athletes for More than 40 Years: Animal is family-owned and has pushed sports nutrition forward, that’s how we’ve earned the trust of dedicated strength and performance athletes who know that we are all built, not born
Why the February arraignment was not the animal-cruelty hearing
One point has caused confusion in coverage of the case. On February 5, 2025, Johnson was arraigned on two felony allegations: threatening a public official and making criminal threats. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office said the animal-cruelty investigation was still continuing at that time.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThat proceeding should not be described as an arraignment on the later animal-cruelty charges. The animal-cruelty filings came afterward, in May 2025, and involved both Johnson and Fitzhenry.
What happened to the surviving animals?
The surviving horses were placed with Oakdale Equine Rescue, where they could receive food, veterinary treatment, and rehabilitation. Horses rescued from severe neglect may require gradual nutritional recovery, treatment for infections or injuries, hoof care, dental work, and careful monitoring before they can be considered healthy enough for adoption or transfer.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM RECOVERY NUTRITION: Carnivore Care is a critical care carnivore formula designed to support recovery in cats and ferrets; This high calorie cat food provides essential animal protein and is ideal as an appetite stimulant for cats after illness
- VET-RECOMMENDED SUPPORT: Developed by experts, this carnivore supplement is trusted by veterinarians to aid pets with poor nutritional status; Ideal for small animal pet products collections, it's suitable as ferret food or cat supplements
- CALORIE-DENSE FORMULA: This high calorie cat food delivers concentrated nutrition in every serving; Just a small amount of this premium carnivore care food helps meet daily energy needs, reducing volume intake for weak or recovering pets
- EASILY DIGESTIBLE PROTEIN: Packed with easily digestible animal protein from egg and poultry, this formula supports energy and recovery; A great addition to your pet's diet bag of food or other carnivore supplements for overall wellness
- VERSATILE USE & STORAGE: Ideal for cats and ferrets, this carnivore care product is easy to prepare and serve; Comes in a convenient bag for easy use, great to have on hand as part of your appetite stimulant for cats and food toolkit
The large number of animals involved also meant that the response required more than a single shelter placement. Law-enforcement personnel, veterinarians, equine rescuers, and animal-care organizations were involved in removing and assessing the animals.
What is the latest reported case status?
The latest procedural update identified in the available reporting said a preliminary hearing for Johnson and Fitzhenry had been set for May 26, 2026, in San Joaquin County. The sources reviewed did not establish a verified conviction, dismissal, guilty plea, or final resolution.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
That means the allegations remain allegations. A criminal charge is not proof of guilt, and the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless a court determines otherwise.
Rank #4
- OUTWORK A BASIC MULTIVITAMIN: With 85+ nutrients to help athletes fill nutritional gaps and strengthen the body's foundation, Pak is for men and women who train hard and expect more than the basics.
- 12 PRODUCTS, 1 PACK: Raise the bar that basic multivitamins don't even attempt with our vitamin and mineral blend and 7 advanced complexes, without needing to buy all your supplements separately.
- INGREDIENTS THAT WORK HARDER: Spectra, AstraGin, CoQ10 and MSM support absorption, cellular energy and joint health, while probiotics, digestive enzymes and a full amino acid profile elevate your performance.
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: Every dose comes in its own individual pack for grab-and-go convenience meaning no bottles, no measuring, no mess - just tear, take and go, wherever training takes you.
- TRUSTED QUALITY SINCE 1983: Manufactured in our family-owned NSF GMP Certified U.S. facility, every batch is made under the highest standards. We don't take shortcuts and neither should you.
Why the original “27 horses” headline was misleading
The figure of 27 horses reflected the first reported search, not the later total from the wider investigation. A more accurate description is that two California women face animal-cruelty charges after authorities reported finding 53 dead horses at properties in and around Clements.
That wording reflects the expanded animal count, identifies that two women were later charged, and avoids implying that the case had already ended in a conviction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What animal owners can learn from the case
Severe neglect can develop gradually and may be difficult for neighbors or extended family members to evaluate from outside a property. Warning signs that warrant a report include horses with visibly protruding ribs or hips, untreated wounds, unsafe fencing, lack of clean water, accumulated manure, dead animals on the property, or animals that cannot reach feed or shelter.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH IN RABBITS & GUINEA PIGS: Helps maintain healthy digestion in rabbits & guinea pigs; ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs or prone to GI stasis, promoting better gut motility, nutrient absorption, & overall digestive wellness
- HIGH-FIBER FORMULA WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with Timothy grass, chicory root, and ginger root to support gut health; provides fiber for regular digestion and a balanced microbiome, great for rabbits and guinea pigs needing extra digestive care
- VETERINARIAN-FORMULATED FOR GI HEALTH: Formulated with the guidance of leading veterinarians and nutritionists to support digestive health; supports overall wellness, giving rabbit and guinea pig owners confidence in providing daily digestive care
- TASTY, HAY-BASED TABLETS PETS LOVE: Delicious, easy-to-feed chewable tablets simplify daily supplementation; rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy the natural hay taste, making these treats an effective, zero stress way to support digestive health
- PREMIUM QUALITY, MADE IN THE USA: Proudly crafted in the USA with high-quality, globally sourced ingredients; contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, so rabbit and guinea pig owners can confidently support digestive health every day.
People who suspect cruelty should document what they can safely observe, including dates, locations, photographs taken from a lawful vantage point, and the number and condition of the animals. They should not trespass, confront a potentially dangerous owner, or attempt a large-scale rescue themselves. Reports can be made to local animal control, the county sheriff, or an animal-cruelty enforcement agency. In an emergency involving immediate danger, call 911.
FAQ
Were 27 or 53 horses found dead in California?
Authorities initially reported finding 27 dead horses during searches in and around Clements on January 22, 2025. After two additional properties were searched, the reported total rose to 53 dead horses.
Who was charged in the Clements horse-neglect case?
Jan Ann Johnson and Justine Fitzhenry were charged in the later animal-cruelty case. Johnson was also accused of firearms, threat-related, and cockfighting-related offenses; Fitzhenry faced a cockfighting-related misdemeanor in addition to the animal-cruelty allegations.
Were the women convicted of animal cruelty?
The available reporting does not establish a conviction, dismissal, plea, or final disposition. Both women should be described as defendants or accused, not as convicted offenders.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Where did the surviving horses go?
The surviving horses were placed with Oakdale Equine Rescue for nutrition, veterinary care, and rehabilitation. Authorities also reported rescuing donkeys and alpacas.
The Bottom Line
The Clements case grew from an initial report of 27 dead horses into an investigation involving 53 reported dead horses, many rescued animals, and two defendants. Johnson and Fitzhenry faced animal-cruelty allegations, but the available record does not show a final criminal outcome. Anyone reporting on the case should use the updated animal count and preserve the defendants’ presumption of innocence.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
