Last Updated on December 26, 2025 by The HD Post Staff

CALIFORNIA – Authorities say the owner of a horse that escaped during a storm in Sebastopol has been located.

The Sebastopol Police Department confirmed the horse was reported loose around 4:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve in the 7900 block of Bodega Avenue.

An officer, with assistance from the North Bay Animal Services, safely secured the animal after responding to the call.

Officials later confirmed that the horse’s owner was identified, and the animal has since been reunited with its owner. No injuries were reported.

Authorities reminded residents to check fences and enclosures, especially after storms, to help prevent similar incidents.

Winter storm leaves three dead

At least three people have died in California as the winter storm that moved into the state around Christmas Eve brought heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous conditions. 

A 64-year-old man in San Diego was killed when a large tree fell on him during severe weather, and a sheriff’s deputy from Sacramento died in a rain-related vehicle crash. 

Another death was reported in Redding after a person became trapped in floodwaters.

The atmospheric river has prompted governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties.

The storm has caused widespread power outages, road closures, and evacuation orders. Forecasters warn that Southern California will continue to see more rain Friday.

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