CLEMENTS, Calif. (WJW) What they found was heartbreaking.

As part of an animal neglect investigation, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California, along with a team of animal service officials and veterinarians, searched a handful of properties and reported finding 27 dead horses and multiple malnourished ones that didn’t appear to have much access to water or food.

Officials had gotten a search warrant to check out the properties, but it wasn’t clear how long the investigation was ongoing.

At least 16 animals were rescued from the properties and taken to a local equine rescue facility for treatment and care.

“Unfortunately, four horses and one bull had to be euthanized due to their extreme neglect,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Following the search of the properties, Jan Johnson was reportedly taken into custody. The woman was charged with the following, according to the sheriff’s office:

• Cruelty to an animal
• Threatening a public official
• Criminal threats
• Possession of a short-barrel shotgun

“We are committed to protecting the welfare of all animals in our community and will continue to investigate this matter,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

No other arrests have been made at this time.