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Grace Foundation Closure Leaves Nearly 100 Rescued Horses In Limbo In El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY (CBS13) — The Grace Foundation is stuck in the middle of a legal battle, forced to shut its doors after the owner of the property terminated the lease.

It's where Beth Decaprio says she's poured her heart and soul to help rescue animals from cruelty cases for years.

"It took everything we had to keep them alive and safe," she said in a phone interview.

She says she was forced to close down the sanctuary after the landlord terminated the lease, leaving 90 horses and a dozen other livestock stuck in the middle.

The animals are still on the property where the foundation once stood, but El Dorado County Animal Services has taken over the animals, paying for their food and care.

Harry Brzezinski, the chief of animal services, says Decaprio has requested a hearing to get the animals back. If she succeeds, she would be forced to reimburse the county.

"To recover the animals, whether it be three horses or two cats, she would be required to basically paid fees for the care of the animals," he said.

The county has yet to set a date for the hearing, but it's expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, animal services will accept donations to help with the care of the animals.

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