Watch CBS News

Arrest Made In SW Miami-Dade Horse Abuse Case

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade police have made an arrest in the most recent case of malnourished and dead animals found in Southwest Miami-Dade.

According to a police arrest affidavit, Migdalia Ameller was arrested Tuesday, March 27th and charged with ten counts of animal cruelty, ten counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water or exercise and two counts of illegal disposal of dead animal bodies.

Police said Ameller owns the property at 15100 SW 205th Avenue where 5 horses, 2 cows and an emu were found starving on Sunday, March 25th.

The affidavit stated the property contained illegal structures, deplorable conditions, and decaying animals.

The body of a decaying cow was covered by a blue tarp and a dead horse was located in a pen.

All 8 surviving animals are currently being treated at the South Florida SPCA rescue ranch in Hialeah.

Ameller was released after signing a "promise to appear" for a future court appearance.

The number of malnourished horse cases have been on the rise recently.

Eleven severely malnourished horses were discovered in Southwest Miami-Dade on March 5. On February 20th, a miniature horse's bones were found in the C-9 basin in Northwest Miami-Dade. And on December 26th of 2011, the head of horse was found in a canal in Southwest Miami-Dade.

There are two key areas where horse remains are usually found.

One area is along Northwest 183rd Street between 127th and 132nd Avenues. The second area is known as the 8.5 square-mile area or the Las Palmas Community which is a large area west of Krome or 177th Avenue and between Southwest 136th and 184th streets.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.