More Than 200 Farm Animals 'Rescued' In Miami-Dade

MIAMI, FL — More than 200 horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, alpacas, sheep, goats, emus, turkeys, geese, ducks, and chickens were "rescued" Thursday from deplorable conditions on a rural property in southwest Miami-Dade County. The animals were seized as part of a criminal investigation into suspected animal cruelty, according to Miami-Dade police.

"A search warrant was executed on approximately five acres of land in the Redlands," explained Detective Lee Cowart of the Miami-Dade Police Department. "Farm animals were being confined in inadequate conditions, lacking proper shelter, food and water."

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The investigation was dubbed "Operation Noah's Ark"and involved a property in the 26700 block of SW 182 Avenue, according to Cowart. Investigators from the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), Agriculture Patrol Section, Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, Miami-Dade Animal Services Department, South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Florida Department of Agriculture executed the warrant around 7:30 a.m.

"The animals were temporarily seized, and will be in the care of the SFSPCA, pending a medical evaluation by veterinarians from the assisting agencies," said Cowart.

Miami-Dade police earlier removed 19 animals from the same property, according to Cowart.

"One of the animals died and four had to be euthanized by veterinarians," he said.

Criminal charges were still pending as of late Thursday afternoon.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305)471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477; Visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip” or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.

Photos courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department