Marin Humane Society animal service officials have removed one stallion and three mares from a California Warmblood breeding farm in connection with an animal cruelty investigation.

Marin Humane Society Atty. Bruce Wagman said that on Dec. 27, the agency removed the stallion and one mare from the Gray Fox Farm in Petaluma. Two more mares were removed from the property on Jan 4, Wagman said. All the animals were allegedly maltreated at the time of the removal, he said.

"They were all emaciated and the stallion had been in a brutal fight with another stallion," Wagman said. "Also, there was no food or shelter for the horses on the property."

Three of the horses were taken to the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Clinic for treatment, Wagman said; the remaining horse is under care at the Marin Humane Society. All are undergoing rehabilitative care, Wagman said