Deputies Raid Farms Accused of Slaughtering Horses, Selling Meat

Authorities say roughly 750 animals — including goats, pigs, cattle, birds and roosters — have been seized during raids at three South Florida farms accused of illegally slaughtering horses and selling the meat.

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say roughly 750 animals — including goats, pigs, cattle, birds and roosters — have been seized during raids at three South Florida farms accused of illegally slaughtering horses and selling the meat.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office reports that deputies served search warrants Tuesday at three Loxahatchee locations. Six arrests have been made, but authorities weren't immediately naming the suspects. A 2010 Florida law made slaughtering horses and selling the meat for human consumption a felony.

The Palm Beach Post reports that the raids follow a six-month undercover investigation by the Miami-based Animal Recovery Mission. The animal welfare group's lead investigator, Richard Couto, said they turned written reports and video over to law enforcement last month.

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