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Police Investigate Horse Rustlers Who Slaughtered Three Horses for Meat

Authorities in South Florida are on the hunt for a gang of horse rustlers responsible for the theft and slaughter of three beloved horses. Among the victims was a horse named Paloma, who played a pivotal role in therapy sessions for children with autism and cognitive disabilities.

Source: CBS Miami/YouTube

The incident unfolded in a remote area of Redland, near Homestead, where the carcasses of the stolen horses were discovered by officers from the Miami-Dade police department’s agricultural and environmental crimes section. Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, speaking at a news conference, recounted how officers followed a trail of vultures to the grisly scene.

This latest episode is part of a worrying trend in the region, where horse thefts have been on the rise. There are growing concerns that a new group of criminals is specifically targeting horses for their meat, which is then sold on the black market as a purported alternative to commercially available cuts of beef or pork.

Detective Zabaleta issued a stern warning about the dangers of consuming horsemeat obtained through illicit channels. Such meat may carry health risks due to the medications administered to the animals during their lifetime, including high-dose Ivermectin used for deworming purposes.

Recent months have seen a string of similar incidents in the area, indicating a disturbing pattern of criminal activity. Just last month, two horses were slaughtered in a neighboring area of southwest Miami, and their bodies were found dismembered. In December, a Hialeah resident was apprehended in a sting operation while attempting to sell horse meat to an undercover officer.

These incidents have dashed hopes that the surge in horse rustling, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, was abating. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed condolences to the owners of the stolen horses and pledged to address the issue collaboratively with stakeholders and the community.

The loss of the three horses, Bucefalo, Miranda, and Paloma, has deeply affected their caretakers and the broader community. Paloma, in particular, had a profound impact as a therapy horse, providing solace and Support to children with mental health issues and cognitive disabilities.

David Yepez, Paloma’s caretaker, said “It’s sad. You build an attachment, and you see the impact this horse has, not just on one person.” The theft and slaughter of these animals not only represent a profound loss for their humans but also a blow to the therapeutic programs they supported and the people that they have helped.