This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Following a months-long investigation into an illegal slaughter farm in Fort Pierce, Florida, exposing the horrifying treatment of animals, two people have been arrested on animal cruelty charges. Urge the state attorney to seek maximum penalties in this case!

In May 2023, Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) investigators followed up on a Craigslist ad offering live animals and meat for sale, which led them to two connected properties cooperatively operating illegal slaughterhouses where investigators witnessed an “inhumane act” and caught it on video.

What followed next was a six-month investigation dubbed “Operation Lebo,” which uncovered horrifying animal cruelty, including animals living in squalor, violations of the Humane Slaughter Act, and evidence that was related to animal fighting and ritualistic slaughter activities.

According to ARM, some of the more disturbing acts caught on video included “pigs being pinned down and stabbed in the heart, and screaming goats being dragged by their hind legs and then strung upside down before skinning” and their flesh being removed - all while still conscious.

In February, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, along with a task force of county, state, and federal agencies, executed an animal rescue operation, and Miguel Cabrera was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

In March, Ysairis Gonzalez was also arrested and charged with animal cruelty after a search warrant was executed in connection to the case.

About 150 animals were saved, including chickens, roosters, guinea hens, ducks, geese, cattle, sheep, and goats, and they will now receive lifetime care at an ARM sanctuary.

Letter to decision maker for reference:

Subject: Illegal Slaughter Farm Operators Deserve Maximum Sentencing

I am writing in support of the vigorous prosecution of Miguel Cabrera and Ysairis Gonzalez who were arrested on animal cruelty charges following an undercover investigation into their atrocious backyard slaughter operation.

While it’s unknown how many animals suffered extensively at their hands, it is clear they were operating in violation of multiple county, state, and federal laws, including the Humane Slaughter Act, which requires animals are rendered senseless before slaughter.

Video obtained by investigators paints a harrowing picture of this operation, and those involved must be held accountable for causing incredible harm and engaging in illegal activity. Evidence was also found that suggested the pair were involved in cockfighting, and I would like to see them charged and prosecuted for that crime as well.

I sincerely hope you will seek maximum penalties in this case and that it can send a loud message that animal cruelty and these types of backyard operations won’t be tolerated.

They must undergo mental evaluations, treatment, and receive lifetime bans on being around animals.

I will follow this case to fruition and kindly expect that my letter will be presented to the presiding judge during the sentencing phase of their trials.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.