Illegal Slaughterhouse Busted In Hialeah

An illegal slaughterhouse in Hialeah has been raided, according to NBC Miami.

The Hialeah Police Department arrested the suspected operator of the slaughterhouse. He is charged with three counts of animal cruelty, one count of using a firearm during the commission of a felony, 40 counts of animal confinement, and three counts of conspiracy to commit these felonies.

The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and Hialeah Police discovered several farms operating within the City of Hialeah that were illegally slaughtering animals. The methods allegedly employed to slaughter the livestock were described as cruel and inhumane.

Animal cruelty can be a very serious charge in the State of Florida. On on hand, animal cruelty can be charged as a misdemeanor. This may entail something as simple as leaving a dog inside of a hot car for too long or allowing livestock to get too thin (malnourished horses, for example).

Operating a facility that slaughters animals without being licensed can constitute the felony charge of cruelty to animals.

Each count of animal cruetly in this case will carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade and Broward. He can be reached at (305) 777-3855.