$25,000 Reward Offered By Animal Recovery Mission For Information On Horses Stolen & Likely Sold For Their Meat In Florida

A string of horse thefts across St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties in Florida has raised concerns about new targeted areas within Florida’s illicit black market horse meat trade. In response, Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these thefts and the suspected slaughter activities.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office recently launched an investigation into the disappearance of a horse from a ranch in Fort Pierce. Security footage shows a trailer entering the property early Friday morning and leaving with the horse.

In a neighboring area, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office reported another theft on Friday morning. Three horses were baited with food, and their gate locks were clipped before being stolen from their field overnight.

“This isn’t just theft. It’s a tragedy that leaves lifelong heartbreak for these families,” said Mike Johnson, whose retired horses were cherished companions.

ARM has uncovered a troubling pattern: stolen horses are entering underground networks where they are transported, butchered, and distributed as unregulated horse meat on the black market.

“Due to the lack of enforcement by police and state officials, the illegal horse meat trade is increasing in Florida. The holiday season is the most dangerous time of the year for Horses. Horse meat is consumed in large amounts this time of the year, which is why we’re seeing an uptick in horse thefts and killings. Horse owners In the state of Florida need to be alert,” Richard Couto, Founder of Animal Recovery Mission, told WAN.

“This illicit trade endangers both the lives of our equine friends and the health of consumers,” continued Couto. “We hope this reward will encourage community members to come forward with any information that could help dismantle this cruel network and protect our horses.”

ARM’s recent video documentation of the slaughter of Funny Biz, an off-the-track thoroughbred, along with ongoing investigations into the black market horse meat trade, underscores the organization’s commitment to ending this disturbing practice. ARM is working closely with law enforcement and urges residents to report any suspicious activities to local authorities or directly to ARM.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Animal Recovery Mission through ARM’s Report a Crime Hotline HERE!