Joan and Ernie Bor, who were arrested in October of last year on charges of animal cruelty, have left their ranch in Lockwood Valley, according to Ventury County Animal Regulation Director Kathy Jenks.

The Bors’ Cochema Ranch on Curtis Trail was raided on September 24 by Ventura County Sheriffs, Animal Regulation and Humane officers after over 100 horses were reported to have been abused and starving.

According to Sheriff’s Deputy William Hollowell, the Bors left their ranch home on Saturday, Jan. 31. “They received cash for keys and left" under a pending foreclosure on the property, he said.

Fifteen horses had been surrendered to Ventura County Animal Control, according to Jenks, and 37 to Ventura County Humane Society, according to the society’s website, leaving more than forty horses under ownership of the Bors, which they were legally free to take with them.

The Bors’ intended destination is not public information.

“Maybe we’ll receive a little information on their location as their trial proceeds,” Jenks said. “For now, I understand they are out of our jurisdiction.”

In the matter of animal abuse charges, the Bors are scheduled for an “Early Disposition Conference” on March 18 at 1:30 p.m., courtroom 12 in Superior Court, Ventura County, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

This is part of the January 30, 2009 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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