DATE/TIME: July 20, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 597(b)- Animal Cruelty
LOCATION: 8000 block Warren Vista Ave., Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): Leslie McMillan, 66-year-old resident of Yucca Valley
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October 25, 2022 - Owners of horses or other animals which were boarded at Leslie McMillan’s residence, who wish to claim ownership of their animals, are asked to contact Detective S. Ables at the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station, (760) 366-4175.
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SUMMARY: On Thursday, July 15, 2022, deputies from the Morongo Basin Station became aware of possible animal cruelty and neglect at a Yucca Valley home. Detective Ables contacted the homeowner, Leslie McMillan, and offered to assist her in placing the animals into an animal rescue facility. McMillan refused the offer of assistance, and on July 20, 2022, deputies from Morongo Basin Station and the San Bernardino County Rural Crimes Task Force served a search warrant at the home in the 8000 block of Warren Vista Avenue, to remove several animals suffering from neglect and malnutrition.
Morongo Basin deputies were assisted by representatives from the Town of Yucca Valley Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Building Safety. Due to the number of animals needing to be relocated from the property, San Bernardino County Animal Control also responded to assist.
During the investigation, it was found that McMillan was incapable of caring for the animals she kept on the property. In total, seven horses, over 30 dogs, 15 cats, and 20 guinea pigs were removed, and their care transferred to Animal Control. Once removed from the property, each animal was scheduled to receive treatment from a veterinarian.
McMillan, who has no prior criminal history, was released in the field. The case will be forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office for review and filing.
The Sheriff's Department is seeking judicial intervention so the animals, once healthy, can be placed up for adoption.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
Refer: Detective S. Ables or Deputy J. Francis
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 232201482
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
