WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) -- Treasure Coast detectives remain tight-lipped when it comes to releasing news about several horse thefts in St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.
All detectives in both counties would confirm was that the investigations are ongoing. As they continue, horse owners on the Treasure Coast remain on high alert, wondering if their horses could be taken next. Many are taking extra precautions to secure their stables, barns, and farms.
As that happens, new theories about a motive are making their way through the equine community, including one from the owner of a sanctuary who believes the stolen horses were slaughtered.
"Unfortunately, we have killer buyers who will take them," said Callie Harris.
Callie Harris and her husband operate the non-profit "Ricky's Ranch" in Okeechobee County. Eight horses have found sanctuary - and a lifetime home - there.
As CBS12 News reported over the last few weeks, four horses were stolen, disappearing from two properties in Fort Pierce and Okeechobee. One victim said the way the crime happened made it seem like the thieves knew his property.
"It's very devastating," she said. "They are going after the fat horses, the healthy horses. Not the skinny ones."
According to Wellington Equine Law Attorney Grace de la Gueronniere:
"It is unlawful to sell in Florida, horse meat for human consumption if it is not clearly labeled... While it could be legal, it is very much illegal to kill or slaughter a horse you do not own."
Harris believes the stolen horses were slaughtered and not sold because of the amount of paperwork you need to sell a horse. But de la Gueronniere explained that rules in Florida ensure that bought and sold horses are not sick rather than establishing ownership chains.
"Unfortunately," Harris added, "we have killer buyers who will take them as well."
Stolen horses being discovered slaughtered and dumped is nothing new in South Florida. Earlier this year and last year, several cases were reported by multiple news outlets in Miami-Dade County.