Authorities conducted a raid on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at a St. Lucie Co. farm where an animal rights group described as an illegal slaughterhouse.
In its statement, ARM explained Wednesday's actions are the culmination of its six-month-long undercover investigation. The organization alleges its sting operation discovered violations of the Humane Slaughter Act, which requires animals to be treated humanely and killed in quick and effective way. Its members claimed to have found goats hoisted upside-down and having their throats slashed before being skinned alive. Pigs who are not resisting were being held down and stabbed in the heart multiple times, ARM alleged. Additionally, the organization stated it found evidence of animal fighting and training..
The sheriff's office has not confirmed if anyone has been arrested or any potential charges the suspects may face. However, ARM stated arrests were made on counts of animal cruelty resulting in death, operating an animal slaughter farm without a license, and other egregious crimes. As for the animals, which reportedly include dogs, cats, pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and birds, ARM noted they will be taken to a sanctuary and will receive care for the rest of their lives.