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200 Animals Removed From Redland Ranch Property By SPCA

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - More than 200 farm animals were removed from a ranch in the Redland on Thursday.

The animals, many of them emaciated or in poor health, were rescued from the property at SW 182nd Avenue and 267th Street by the South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue (SFSPCA) working with Miami-Dade Police and Animal Services.

According to investigators, farm animals were being confined in inadequate conditions, lacking proper shelter, food and water.

This was the largest variety of animals the SFSPCA has rescued in a single case in its 26 year history.

Among the animals seized were horses, mini horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, alpacas, sheep, goats, emus, and turkeys. The animals were taken to the SFSPCA's ranch in Homestead where they will be cared for and given medical evaluations by veterinarians from the assisting agencies.

The group had already removed 19 animals in previous days, including a llama, three alpacas, nine sheep and six goats.

Earl Miller told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that he had lived on the property and was disgusted by the abuse and was evicted by the property owner after he reported the abuse to police.

"The animals were not being treated right," he said. "A veterinarian had not been called it here in a long time. The animals had problems and scrapes on their knees and elbows. I did not like what I saw at all. I felt I had to do something so I could get help out here. I hope the care will happen. Now I am homeless after reporting this to the police, just because I called this in."

Miami-Dade Police say the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. So far, the owner or owners of the animals and bird have not been identified.

Already home to over 60 horses and animals, the additional 200 is stretching the organization's physical and financial limits. Staff and volunteers are working overtime to accommodate the new arrivals. If you'd like to help, tax-deductible donations can be made at helpthehorses.org.

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