Jan 16, 2008 9:12 am US/Eastern
Horse Rustlers Target Ranches In SW Miami Dade
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Pony-nappers have been targeting ranches in SW Miami Dade.
CBS
In the Old West, horse rustlers were usually hung, shot, or worse.
Now a South Florida man who provides ponies for rides for children's birthday parties and special occasions says the age old problem is back; thieves using the cover of darkness have been stealing ponies all over the state to sell on the black market.
The Miami Dade Police Department said they do have leads in several instances where ranchers in Southwest Miami Dade were targeted.
"The just came in through the front gates and cut the padlock," said Louis Campo who had all but two of his horses stolen last Friday.
Thieves not only made off with 4 ponies, they also stole feed, hay and a horse trailer.
"They need to stop it," said Campo, "we need to stop it now. It's been going on for a while. They've been from here all the way through the state of Florida; they're just going around stealing horses."
Campo said the two ponies that were left behind were bruised and had cuts on their flanks. He thinks they were injured while escaping the ropes the thieves used to steal the other four horses.
"I guess when they tried to get a hold of them, or whatever, these two are now crippled on their back legs," said Campo.
Campo said the worst is not knowing where his animals are or if they are safe.
"I'm hoping they don't kill them because lately that is what they've been doing," said Campo. "They've been going around, they either sell them, taking them to different auctions to sell them, or they've been selling them for the horse meat."
Miami Dade Police said last year there were seven cases of horses being stolen from ranches in the southern part of the county. One horse was found dead, its body mutilated.
Campo is hoping police find his animals alive.
Anyone with information that could lead police to the horse-nappers is asked to call Miami Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471 – TIPS.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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