A Ranch In Davie Under Investigation For Alleged Animal Abuse
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DAVIE (CBSMiami) -- Davie Police are investigating an animal abuse claim involving more than two dozen horses and other farm animals.
Police said there is evidence some of the animals had not been fed in a while at the farm located at 7350 SW 39th Street.
"Our detectives responded out here and found various farm animals and some guinea pigs and rabbits that hadn't been fed in a while," said Sgt. Pablo Castaneda with the Davie Police Department.
Some of the animals in question included goats, horse, ponies, pigs, birds, goats, and sheep, according to the Animal Rescue Mission.
"Most of the animals didn't have water...little to no food," said Richard Cuoto with the Animal Rescue Mission.
Animal Rescue Mission (ARM) called police after they responded to the farm themselves following an anonymous tip.
"Arm investigators responded today and found a lot of mistreated, neglected, emaciated animals, living in pretty awful conditions on site," said Cuoto.
The owner of the property, Walter Mears, said he leases a large section to the person who owns the animals. The property owner does not think the owner of the animals is guilty of abuse.
"He's always been very good with them. He's always taking care of them and as far as I could tell, I've never seen no problem with them," said Mears.
According to investigators, the owner of the animals leases them out for petting zoos and for pony rides.
"Some of the animals have not been wormed. They have parasites. There's long-term effect from abuse on this property," said Cuoto.
The owner is said to be cooperating with the investigation which Davie Police said is ongoing.
"At this point, the animals are staying right here. The Animal Rescue Mission has provided them with food and water and there's medical care in the next couple of days for them," said Sgt. Castaneda.
