City passes new law that protects horses

SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida city has passed a law that punishes anyone who harms horses.

The Southwest Ranches Town Council unanimously approved Marco's Law Thursday night. Supporters even brought a horse into the meeting.

The new law imposes severe penalties on anyone caught killing or harming a horse. "Anybody that would even contemplate coming to this town and engage in this kind of activity, would not only be prosecuted but would be caught," said Mayor Jeff Nelson, "so stay away from the town of Southwest Ranches."

Marco's Law comes months after an 8-year-old former racehorse named Marco was stolen from his pen in Southwest Ranches and slaughtered for its meat back in August. "I hope it goes around and teaches, makes us all aware that you can't just go around killing horses," said Marco's owner.

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