Reward Of $5K Being Offered To Catch Horse Slaughter Criminal

As much as we do not want to think about it, we know that somewhere each day a horse is slaughtered. Sadly, this usually happens when horses are no longer wanted. And it's never something that's okay if you ask me, because it's never the horse's fault that they should lose their lives at the hands of humans.

In Pearland, Texas just outside of Houston, there are horses being slaughtered for another reason—and it's extremely disturbing. These are not horses which were given away, these were people's prized possessions, horses which have been kidnapped and slaughtered for their meat. Since late May of 2020, five horses have been found slaughtered in the Pearland area off South Beltway 8. All of which were stolen, straight from their pastures.

Each of the five horses found had ropes around their necks, and it was clear that they'd been lured away and brutally killed before being stripped of their meat field dress-style, just as one would when hunting deer. These killings were all done with intent to harvest the horse's meat. The horses were all dismembered, and for the people who found them, some of which were their own owners, the images left in their minds are haunting to this day.

KHOU 11 Houston news reports that,

"Based on the circumstances, the likelihood that it might be the same person or group of people responsible is fairly high."

The Humane Society of the United States announced this week that they are offering a $5,000 reward to bring these animal abusers to justice. They are urging the public to contact the Pearland Police Department at 281-997-4202 or email a detective at [email protected] if they have any information regarding these crimes. Houston Crime Stoppers is also available and ready to take tips regarding this case at 713-222-8477.

Lauren Loney, the Texas state director of the Humane Society of the United States, tells ABC 13 Houston news that, 

"The cruelty these horses endured, and the subsequent dismemberment of their bodies is incredibly disturbing. We hope our reward will help ensure the person or persons responsible for such horrific cruelty will be found and brought to justice."

Tina Amaya, owner of a paint mare who was slaughtered, said that, 

"She was a gift from my father. We never rode her, we just wanted our horses to have the best and happiest life possible."

Carl Smith, owner to two of the other horses which were slaughtered, is devastated by the loss of his two horses and the harsh reality of their death. He told the local news that, "It hurts a lot. I know what they're doing. They're cutting them up and selling the meat."

Watch the video below courtesy of ABC 13 Houston news for more on this equally heartbreaking and disturbing case:

As a Houston area resident, this case hits even closer to home for me at the thought of these poor horses and the owners who loved them. If you know something, say something, so that more horses don't have to suffer at the hands of these horrific criminals. The Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff's Department are both working closely alongside the Pearland Police Department to put an end to this cruelty and catch those responsible. And for the sake of the horses and their owners, I hope it happens soon.