Horse theft is an age old problem, but the type we are experiencing here in Miami is not the what you'd expect. Horses are being stolen for their meat and hides! Pinto horses are especially sought after, I've heard the hides bring $500. When I wrote a blog two years ago about a stolen Pinto, it never entered my mind that this horrible trend could be behind the theft! Since then, more reports of missing horses, actual slaughter houses and found horse carcasses have been turning up.
Well over a year ago, my roaming dogs started to bring home pieces of animals from their daily outings that gave me suspicion that something horrible was going on. Then we stumbled across a horse carcass that had been cut up during one of our walks in the Everglades... Not too long after, a 10 AC site within walking distance from my home was busted for running a slaughter house! (read the story here) Pigs, cows, horses and more were being kept on the property and slaughtered for their meat! I helped the SPCA round up the pigs and will never recover from what I saw (and SMELLED) that day. In the back 5 acres, there were literally animal bones every 2 to 3 feet. It was horrendous. The stench and filthand theconditions the poor animals were kept in was unbelievable. I will never forget it, ever!
Here are just a few of the stories:
NetPosse's Commentary on the Horse Theft
NBC News Story Warning Disturbing Images
If you have animals, take good care and up your security. Guard dogs, a strong fence, good lighting and more might be a way to better protect them. If you can keep them away from street visibility even better. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately, these thieves are brazen. I can only hope it is a small group and if we can catch them then the horror will be over, so keep a vigilant eye out!
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