215 Animals Seized for Cruelty from Grass Valley Property

GRASS VALLEY — Authorities in Nevada County, California, rescued more than 200 animals from a Grass Valley property following reports of suspected neglect and cruelty. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office conducted the operation over two days, November 30 and December 1 after a concerned citizen contacted dispatch on November 30 to report possible animal mistreatment on Meyer Ravine Road. A patrol sergeant performed an initial welfare check that day and observed numerous deceased animals alongside living ones that appeared sickly and emaciated.

The property held a total of 229 animals. Officials seized 215 living animals, primarily sheep, along with goats, horses, pigs, calves, chickens, dogs, a cat, a pony, a donkey, a rabbit, and birds. Fourteen animals were found dead on the site, three required humane euthanasia due to severe conditions, and four others died shortly after rescue from pre-existing illnesses. Many of the surviving animals suffered from extreme emaciation, respiratory issues, mobility problems, and infections, including a severe outbreak of Orf, also known as sore mouth disease, which is a contagious zoonotic illness.

The rescue involved coordination among the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, its Animal Control Division, veterinary specialists, and dozens of volunteers from the Sheriff’s Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team, known as HEART. Volunteers established an emergency pop-up site and provided round-the-clock care under challenging conditions, contributing more than 700 hours of support. Additional assistance came from the Nevada County Animal Shelter, which arranged quarantine and care for 47 animals at various locations, as well as community partners that supplied lighting, water, and other resources.

Joshua Evan Grayson, 39, of Grass Valley, owns the property. According to the Sheriff’s Office, he arrived during the initial welfare check, cooperated with authorities, and stated that he had intended to establish an animal rescue operation. Officials arrested Grayson on December 11 on eight felony counts of animal cruelty. He posted $10,000 bail and was released from custody. Grayson relinquished ownership of 81 animals, which will become available for adoption through the nonprofit Sammie’s Friends once veterinarians clear them medically.