HIALEAH, FLA. (WSVN) - The South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is urging the public to be on the lookout for two horses stolen from a Hialeah ranch.
They were stolen from Rancho Gaspar, at 16480 N.W. 117 Ave. One is a chestnut quarter horse mare, named Dash, with a distinctive pitchfork tattoo on her left shoulder and a number 46 branded on her left jaw, according to the owner. The other horse is a bay Paso Fino gelding.
Caretaker Yamil Gonzalez made the disturbing discovery.
“When I walk in the morning, usually every morning before I go to work, I feed the horses, and I see two horses missing,” Gonzalez said, “so I start tracing and tracing, the horses aren’t here.”
SFSPCA is working with Miami-Dade Agricultural Patrol to help find the horses.
“My biggest concern is that they’re not for consumption,” said horse owner George Martinez. “These horses are highly-maintained. They take a lot of drugs through the veterinarians to keep them healthy, and human consumption is not an option, nor do I want to see my horse on someone’s plate.”
For Martinez and his family, Nash is more than just a competition horse.
“I got her when she was just a little over a year-and-a-half old, raised her for five years to compete,” Martinez said. “She competes in roping and raining, and for the last 12 years she’s been nothing more than the family horse.”
SFSPCA spoke Gonzalez, who said the horses were discovered missing at 6:30 a.m., Friday. He noted that a portion of the property’s fencing was cut away, indicating foul play. He said whoever stole the horses walked past three horses to the quarter horse’s stall.
“I don’t understand why these two were taken,” said Gonzalez. “There were five other horses in the barn. Someone just walked in and chose those two and took them out of their stalls. There were two others outside they walked past.”
SFSPCA Horse Rescue President Kathleen Monahan stated, “This is a horrible situation for the owners and those who care for these horses. We strongly urge the public to call with any information they have.”
SFSPCA reported another horse stolen on May 5 from Southwest Miami-Dade. That horse is still missing.
PETA is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the horses’ return.
“This is like me going into your house and taking your dog,” Martinez added.
If you have any information on this the disappearance of these horses, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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