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PBSO says more arrests coming in case of a suspected illegal slaughterhouse in Loxahatchee Groves

Posted at 6:25 PM, Aug 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-09 05:36:37-04

According the the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, more arrests are coming in the case of a suspected illegal slaughterhouse in Loxahatchee Groves.  Investigators arrested three individuals last week and said to expect more. 

Tracy Horton with Animal Recovery Mission, known as ARM, shed more light on what investigators said was happening at the suspected illegal slaughterhouse on 43rd Road North in Loxahatchee Groves. PBSO said ARM took part in the investigation, going undercover for a few months. 

"From what I see, looks to be closed down," said Horton, as she looked at the property from the street. 

Horton said someone working undercover for ARM elsewhere was tipped off to the farm. 

"Conversations will take place at an illegal slaughterhouse, where the investigator is there, and that also ends up being a tip," she said. 

ARM said chickens, goats, sheep, and pigs were slaughtered at the location without a license. The undercover video was too graphic to show in full. 

Once they got the tip, Horton said people working for ARM went to check it out. 

"Came over, spoke with the owner and asked if they can purchase the meat for consumption, and said yes and invited them in," said Horton. 

ARM said they then followed people from the farm to see where the meat was being sold. 

"Door to door, sometimes restaurants. They would do nail salons. Back in the back, they would weigh them, and they would exchange money," she said. 

PBSO said the investigation into the meat distribution is ongoing right now. 

"What they would do take a scale out of the back of their cars, take an animal out of a dirty cooler, and place it on a scale and get a good weight," said Horton. 

ARM told WPTV Newschannel 5 they are working undercover at another suspected slaughterhouse in the Loxahatchee Groves area. They said they want people to know they are out there.