Police investigate slaughtered horse

HIALEAH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Authorities are investigating the discovery of a horse found slaughtered by the side of a road.

According to police, a horse's corpse was discovered along a dirt road in the area of Northwest 129th Avenue and 182nd Street in the City of Hialeah, Monday morning. Police said the horse appears to have been chopped up.

The Animal Recovery Mission, a group that advocates for horses, responded to the scene to investigate exactly what happened to the horse. "It's a little mare, female, harvested the meat off of her, cut her in half, cut her head off, cut all of her limbs off," said Richard Couto of Animal Recovery Mission. "I found two puncture wounds under the chin, and they slashed her throat and basically cut her head half off."

Through the investigation, Couto said, he can see the horse was once someone's pet. "The shoe is newly trimmed, new horse shoes, and the coat, as well, is in very good condition," he said.

Residents who live nearby the scene agree the horse killer must be punished. "Hang 'em! Hang each one of them," said horse owner Alberto Medina.

Officials have been investigating the slaughtering of horses for several years. Authorities believe people are killing horses and then selling the meat on the black market.

The horse discovered on Monday was likely chosen for its value. "Yeah, definitely. Smaller horses and younger horses, their meat goes for considerably more, usually double the amount as a large, older horse, because of the tenderness of the meat," said Couto.

Police continue to investigate.

If you have any information on who may have killed this horse or anyone selling or buying horse meat illegally, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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