Florida Horse Poaching Continues

by: Pat Raia
May 14 2009, Article # 14168

Police in Miramar, Fla., are searching for poachers responsible for killing two Paso Fino horses for their meat. The horses' butchered carcasses were discovered in their pasture on May 6 when their owner arrived to feed them.

The case is the latest in a series of similar incidents in Florida. In cases spanning back to 2007, the butchered remains of at least eight horses have been discovered in Miami Dade County. The Miramar case is the first such incident reported outside Miami Dade County. Investigators believe the incidents could be related.

"You could tell (the poachers) weren't doing this for the first time," said Miramar Police Public Information Officer Tania Rues.

Police speculate the incidents are connected to an illegal market, where horsemeat sells for as much as $20 per pound, Rues said.

If caught, the poachers face animal cruelty, burglary, grand theft, and criminal mischief charges.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those connected with the incidents.

Miramar police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954/493-TIPS.