As most of us expected, the first youth charged in the mysterious and gruesome Miami area horse killings was not working alone. Another teen has been charged and according to an NBCMiami report, admitted to killing at least one horse. The article also states the youth was offered $500 to lure a horse from its pasture. It hasn't been revealed who made the offer, suggesting more arrests of animal cruelty and burglary are on the way.
Authorities are also concerned the horsemeat may be sold as beef. Why the concern? Horse owners may be administering drugs such as de-wormers, hormones or other substances that remain in the meat and could be harmful to humans. The administration of drugs to other livestock such as beef cattle, sheep and poultry are strictly monitored so there is no harmful residue in the meat when the animal is slaughtered.
A word of caution about the pictures and videos accompanying these reports-they are graphic and may upset some readers. As my young Facebook friend, who gave me the heads up about this new arrest said, "I saw the couple of pictures they had in the story, without clicking anything. I knew I would not be able to handle viewing more, so I didn't."
In my first blog post about this story many of you commented that the punishment will likely be mild in comparison to what those who have lost companions have gone through. What do you think? Leave your comments below.
Comments
I can’t think of a more awfull way of looseing a horse. I can’t imagen how that must feel. I don’t know how I’d feel if it was my four footed buddy. Stories like this make me glad that there’s several big dogs at my barn!
I think they should be inprisoned in Huntsville, Texas. The “problem” would take care of itself!!!
There is a good possibility that the “perps” would end up looking just like the pasture pictures!
I think both boys and the person(s) who paid them should be convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. The death of an animal is no less than the death of a human. And the suffering and pain are the same.
If they choose to do such a thing, they should expect to pay for it. No excuses, no whining.
This is a cruel and dispicable crime. However, I have to say that I would like to see coverage of the horse slaughter issue on this website. In spite of the whitewashing, the cold hard facts are that between 60,000 and 100,000 American horses are sent to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico every year. These are not just old horses or outlaws; they could be your family horse sold at auction. Now, Montana is going to build an equine slaughterhouse. Organizations like the AQHA, various veterinary associations, various racehorse associations, etc. support slaughter. Where is the outrage? By our silence, we are all participants. We need to quit encouraging the breeding of MORE horses. In summary, I would say the perpetrators should be severely punished. Secondly, I would say we all need to examine our own part in the cruel and barbaric act of horse slaughter by our silence or lack of information.
horse thieves should be hung.. it started that way and should end that way
I would love to have come across them before the police dept caught them,Give them the same treatment.
I hate horse killers. I feel like I want to murder them, not the horses. It hurts meh.
Did anyone else notice that the first “related article” below is about how to cook beef? Not exactly sensitive advertising picks for this subject…
We must ask our senators and congressmen to make stricter laws making it a felony instead of a misdemeanor to be cruel to companion animals. If I had caught these teenagers killing my horses in Texas, I would have shot them first and then called the police.
Well I think in florida, killing a horse is punishable by death.
I hope the judge in the case is a horse lover and owner! is is a horse lover!
Well, I live in Florida and All I can say is God help those people if I had gotten ahold of them. I think people who abuse and kill an animal should have the same thing dont to them that the did to the animal and the pictures should be posted for the world to see. That would stop alot of this crap that is going on. They know they can get away with it with just a little slap on the hand. I Feel this should be done for any crime of violence or murder of man or animal. If they saw and know what goes around comes around they would not think it is so cool or funny. I also agree with Kay on the horse Slaughter issue. In my mind the ones who are doing this in slaughter houses are no better than the ones who comitted ths crime here in Florida. It has to be stopped. The ones who do the slaughtering and the ones who turn their horses over for slaughter should be prosecuted for murder. I am ashamed to admit I am a member of several Arabian Orginizations. I cannot believe they are condoning this. How would humans feel if they became unwanted and were sent away to be killed. They could not build a big enough facility to take care of all the unwanted humans in the world!
Hi Katherine,
Having read your articles many times thought I would share this with and other readers across the world.
In the past few weeks here in ZA (South Africa) many horses have gone missing only to either be found dead, or near dead in an atrocious state.
In many cases (as well) the people that steal these horses ride them into the ground then slaughter them on the side of the road and have a braai, which is the equivalent to a barbeque.
It is incredibly cruel and sad as the idigenous people here only see horses as meat, same as other livestock meant for consumption.
When these people are eventually caught they are released out on bail of about R200 which when converted is about 28 dollars.
We do have animal protection laws but they are never well enforced. People that abuse animals virtually get off with a slap on the wrist.
The people that suffer the most are the one’s who lose their beloved animals. I really feel for all those people and I think knowing that the perp has got off scot free makes the feelings worse.
The punishment should fit the crime, these people should not be allowed back into society.
I agree with Kay Lightner – we all need to get more proactive! We all have friends, co-workers, and relatives on our email address lists that may not be aware of the horse slaughter issue and Senate bill S 1579. They do not have to be horseowners in order to be supportive. But looking at these sickening events here in Florida, I have to say that horse slaughter of any kind must be stopped! Contact your elected representatives. Frank
American immigration has allowed the cultures of many to be integrated into our society. When immigrants were primarily from Europe, our cultures were similar. Many cultures hunt/kill/consume animals. The problems we are having is the cultures which do this to our domestic work animals and pets. As horse slaughter was outlawed in America, the horses were hauled over our borders to Mexico and Canada where the travel and inhumane conditions were barbaric in our 21st century. But, then, look at Iran, North Korea, Irag, Afganistan…..different cultures, different religions, different beliefs of survival. To protect our pets and working animals, we need to be very viligent, 24/7, if need be. If these teenagers and associated adults fronting funds for the horsemeat, and it is against the law, then prosecute and catch the adults who offer the money and prosecute them. If the law consequences are death for torturing a horse and killing it and butchering it, trespass, stealing, etc. another man’s property, then prosecute through the legal system. Research the law and if there is none, make one through our American law system. They not only illegally killed these animals, they stole them, and trespassed on someone’s property. I hope they all hang. I hope that is the law. Unfortunately, our culture has barbaric components. Get dogs, keep guns, praise God and pass the ammunition.