Treasure Coast Horse Thefts Linked to Black Market Meat Trade, Officials Say
The Treasure Coast is grappling with a heartbreaking mystery: the theft of four horses, including one beloved family companion named Okie.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson shared grim suspicions that these incidents could be tied to an illegal horse meat market.
“I would love to just think this is a coincidence,” said Pearson. “But the reality of it is it’s not.”
Families Reeling from Loss
For the Stavert family of Fort Pierce, the theft of their horse on November 8 has left a gaping void. Melanie Stavert described the devastation her family is facing: “The girls, they wanted a horse for a long time. They finally got one, and now he’s gone.”
Ava Stavert, Melanie’s eldest daughter, spoke of her bond with Okie. “He was the best,” she said. “He’d do anything for me.” Melanie tearfully added, “You can see the tear stains in her pillow. It’s just so sad.”
Concerns of Horse Slaughter
The possibility that the stolen horses were taken for slaughter is a chilling thought. Sheriff Pearson acknowledged the grim reality, stating, “We do know that there is a black market for horse meat. I hope to God that that’s not the case.”
Richard Couto, founder of the Animal Recovery Mission, is stepping up efforts to find those responsible. The organization is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
“These rewards have worked in the past,” said Couto. “In Palm Beach, they’ve worked in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, and we’re hoping that it works here.”
Calls for Justice
For now, the Stavert family hopes for justice and reform. “I hope they put an end to all the horse slaughters, and there are harsher punishments for people that do these sick crimes,” said Melanie Stavert. “It is just sick.”
The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The community remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution and an end to these heart-wrenching crimes.
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