SOUTH FLORIDA – A string of horse thefts across St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties have raised concerns over new targeted areas of Florida’s illegal horse meat trade.
Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) is offering $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
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One horse was reported stolen to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, where security footage caught a trailer entering the property and then leaving with the horse.
In Okeechobee County, three horses were reported stolen after the owner found the gate clipped.
“This isn’t just theft. It’s a tragedy that leaves lifelong heartbreak for these families,” said Mike Johnson, whose horses were among those stolen.
ARM has uncovered a pattern of stolen horses entering underground networks where they are transported and distributed as unregulated horse meat on the black market.
Those with information regarding the case are encouraged to contact Animal Recovery Mission, through ARM’s Report a Crime Hotline, as well as the Sheriff’s Offices in Okeechobee and St. Lucie Counties.
