Grace Foundation Files Lawsuit against Banks over Susanville Horses

A question of responsibility is at the core of the case of more than 50 neglected horses, their rising medical bills and basic cost to keep them fed.

The Grace Foundation took in, nursed and cared for the neglected and abused equine that were removed from a Susanville ranch last year.

According to the foundation officials, the banks that foreclosed on that ranch are not providing money to help care for the neglected animals.

The cost of caring for the horses and their medical costs is more than $50,000 per month, according to the foundation.

Banking officials deny the allegations, saying they are not obligated to help fund the care and feeding of the animals and are not the rightful owners of the horses.

On Monday, July 9, foundation supports protested the situation by taking 15 horses to Folsom’s Wells Fargo and Bank of America branches.

“We brought the horses to give the media and the banks an understanding of what that amount of horses would be like if they were abandoned on their property or placed in their care,” said Beth DeCaprio, The Grace Foundation’s executive director. “We have worked so hard to do the right thing with these horses and help our community. I am so sad that this situation had to come to this.”

A Wells Fargo official took issue with DeCaprio’s statements.

“Ms. DeCaprio’s claims against Wells Fargo are completely without merit," said Julie Campbell, assistant vice president of Corporate Communications for Northern and Central California Region's Wells Fargo Bank. “Wells Fargo has never owned the Whispering Pines property or the horses that formerly resided there, nor were we involved in the horses ...

http://auburnjournal.com/detail/212591.html