BROOKSVILLE, Fla.– A Hernando County farm suspected of operating as an illegal slaughterhouse has been abandoned following an RNews investigation into the horse meat trade.
Animal activists had previously shared video footage of a former racehorse, Funny Biz, being killed for its meat on the property.
After receiving reports of animal cruelty, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the farm located in Brooksville. Activists claim that the sheriff’s office failed to take action to shut down the operation, resulting in the disappearance of most of the animals from the farm.
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Upon visiting the property, RNews discovered animal skulls and multiple kill sites used for butchering animals.
The sheriff’s office collected the remaining animals on Monday and said in a media release:
As the investigation into alleged animal mistreatment at an address on Vicki Lane continues, deputies and animal enforcement officers responded to the address this morning.
Throughout the investigation, detectives have been in contact with the property owner, who is NOT the individual alleged to be mistreating animals.
This morning, investigators received information from the property owner that some animals had been left behind, by the tenant, who appears to have vacated the property.
As part of the investigation into this information, deputies and animal enforcement officers rescued several animals from the property.
The animals listed below were rescued from the property. The animals appeared well, with no obvious signs of distress. Five small pigs One dog. Several roosters and chickens.
Unfortunately, one deceased pig was located on the property. A necropsy will be performed to determine cause and manner of death.
Animal Enforcement Officers will remain engaged with the property owner throughout the investigation of this case.
Since 2022, the Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) has been conducting an undercover investigation into the slaughterhouse run by the Ortiz family.
They shared an undercover video of a former racehorse, Funny Biz, being killed, prompting a public outcry.
ARM had planned to rescue the remaining animals from the farm and transport them to their sanctuary, but the majority of the animals were removed before they could intervene.
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The property owner, Bill Maddox, told Rnews that he’s been reporting the crimes to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office since 2022, but the Sheriff has taken no action to stop them.
The incident has sparked outrage among animal rights activists, who are calling for the arrest of those responsible for the alleged animal cruelty. The investigation is ongoing, and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released any information regarding potential charges.
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