Ivonne Rodriguez, of Miami, has a very disturbing story that indicates an unforeseen consequence of this deep recession: She says her beloved horse, Geronimo, was stolen and slaughtered in a field for its meat.
The Wanch Waggler blog in Southwest Ranches picked up Ivonne's story and reported that such incidents, at least anecdotally, are on the rise. "I have received many emails regarding the theft and slaughter of our pets and livestock," wrote the Waggler. "Protect your animals; watch out for your neighbors' animals and belongings. Times are very tough for the unemployed. People are doing desperate things but it should not be at the expense of Southwest Ranches neighbors."
Here's an email that Rodriguez recently sent out (I called her and confirmed its authenticity) about the theft and death of Geronimo:
Dear Horse lovers,
I'm sure you are aware of the increase of horses stolen and later found slaughtered in the area of Krome and 168 Street. Well this is my story last Friday February 27th my horse Geronimo, a beautiful painted quarter horse, was stolen from the pasture where he was grazing on 168 Street and 208 Avenue, one of the neighbors said that the last time they saw him was that morning around 7am. A few hours later they went to get him and he was nowhere to be found. A police report was filed with Ag Patrol, the officer that took my report told me that he didn't want to alarm me but the horses are being stolen for their meat, needless to say I was alarmed and in disbelief.
Sadly to say my horse was found on March 5th in the field across from where he was last seen, 2-300 yards inward, he had been tied to a palm tree and slaughtered right there. The blood was splattered all along the side of the palm tree. You can just imagine my dismay, Geronimo was my pride and joy and my dear companion. He was not found earlier because he was covered with palm frowns, it wasn't until someone stumbled on his head that he was found. Jeff Burnside from Channel 6 NBC, interviewed me earlier that morning and we wanted to make sure this was made public, in the hopes that I could have him returned to me safe and sound. Later that day he met me again on the sight where Geronimo was found. He met officers of the Ag Patrol as well as Richard Couto .
I need to make this public; I need all the help I can get. This is something that needs to be stopped, my horse was very well taken care of and I loved him dearly, he was a member of the family. I have attached a photo of Geronimo as well as a photo of where he was found. I'm sure Richard has more graphic photos; I just could not bear seeing him that way. Any assistance you can provide to make this horrific news public would be greatly appreciated. I don't want his death to be in vain. Thanking you in advance for your help.Ivonne Rodriguez
Miami Florida 33186
