SAN DIEGO -- Veterinary technician Jennifer Forbes recently took several disturbing pictures at a child's birthday. She is very concerned about the appearance of the animals and ponies provided by My Little Pony Rides.

"These animals were listless, cramped in a corner in the hot sun; it broke my heart," said Forbes.

She is worried about how the animals' apparently poor health could affect her own child.

"Being a parent, what disturbs me most is children can catch these things," said Forbes.

The 10News I-Team tracked down My Little Pony Rides, a company that brings ponies and a petting zoo to its customers.

The I-Team shot undercover video at a public event. The I-Team was concerned about the petting zoo's lack of supervision and what the children were allowed to do with and to the animals.

The I-Team looked deeper into the history of My Little Pony Rides and found that it was registered to Marc Brown at a San Diego address.

Marc Brown had apparently moved to Mexico two years ago, but the I-Team found Marc's father.

Bob Brown said Marc created My Little Pony Rides but lost it to his ex-wife in a divorce.

"It was a nasty affair," said Bob.

Marc's ex-wife is Cathy Ledford, the same woman Forbes had seen at her party.

"The woman walking the ponies was really out of it," said Forbes.

It was the same woman the I-Team caught with its undercover camera.

The I-Team's main concern was the lack of oversight of the petting zoos. If a customer hires the wrong one, there is the risk of exposing children to diseases like E. coli or Bird Flu.

The I-Team contacted San Diego County Animal Services and followed them to Ledford's home to see if the animals were indeed sick or being mistreated.

"I have nothing to hide, nothing. And I love what I do, I love my animals …," said Ledford.

Animal Services found healthy and happy animals.

However, there was a question regarding licenses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said those that display certain animals to the public must be licensed as exhibitors by the USDA. The USDA said petting zoos fall in the exhibitor category.

My Little Pony Rids does not have an exhibitor license.

Ledford said she was unaware she needed a license.

The I-Team wondered about all of the animals that weren't seen at the ranch when Animal Services paid a visit. Many of the animals had disappeared; there were no rabbits, guinea pigs or goats. It was possible Ledford had time to move them. She told the I-Team someone had tipped her off to the visit from Animal Services.

The I-Team obtained video of the animals left unsupervised being fondled and even dropped by children. It is something Forbes had seen at her party as well.

Forbes said, "There was absolutely no supervision."

Ledford said there is constant supervision. When asked if someone from the staff was always with the animals, Ledford replied," Yes, absolutely. Yes."

Ledford claimed the animals were always kept in a secure area.

"They are pretty secure; they can't escape," said Ledford.

However, the I-Team found cages that were not secure.

She also claimed kids never have the opportunity to harm the animals by feeding them, but the I-Team had video of some children feeding animals cotton candy.

"They shouldn't be feeding them cotton candy. Oh no, no. Absolutely not," said Ledford.

Despite having seemingly healthy animals, Forbes' concerns were not completely unfounded.

The I-Team could find no business license for My Little Pony Rides. Ledford did have a license, but as a cosmetologist.

Ledford is still in business, but the USDA is now aware of her operation.

The Better Business Bureau recommends consumers always do research before hiring a petting zoo.

The BBB also said consumers should make sure the company is licensed with the USDA, has insurance and a clean record.