Animal Recovery Mission founder and lead investigator Richard Couto will partner with international grand prix rider Debbie Stephens to present an equine security and black market horsemeat awareness seminar on Tuesday, February 9th at 3:30pm in The Wellington Club on the PBIEC showgrounds.
On October 25, 2015, Stephens’ new grand prix prospect, a 17h Selle Francis gelding recently imported from Europe, was stolen from his stall and brutally butchered for his meat. The shocking incident served as a wake up call to Florida horse owners that the black market industry for horse meat presents a chilling danger to their horses and barns.
Animal Recovery Mission is a 501 (C)(3) non profit organization that has been responsible for the closure of 135 illegal animal slaughter, sacrifice, and fighting operations in the State of Florida which has also resulted in over 510 convictions of notorious animal killers. ARM’s work has also contributed to the positive changes with 2 State Laws and 5 County Ordinances. ARM takes the strongest stance on the welfare of animals and works to provide reassurance to the public that is hesitant to believe any change can be made.
Three illegal animal slaughterhouses that neighbored Wellington, Florida, the “winter equestrian capital of the world” were raided and shut down last October in an operation led by Couto and ARM. Eight men were arrested and charged with animal cruelty Florida state felonies, including illegal possession and sale of horse meat.
ARM has been present at each court hearing, diligently following each case to ensure the safety and protection of our horses and other animals. To date the individuals and their lawyers have delayed proceedings with continuances in the hopes of deferring their sentencing.
Essential to eradicating this black market industry is for large numbers of people to step up and become involved. Attend the February 9th seminar to support Stephens, who has dedicated herself to tracking down the killers of her horse and becoming educated in barn protection and safety. Attendees will benefit from the advice of ARM founder Couto, who is considered an expert in uncovering and shutting down illegal slaughterhouses, and ensuring the enforcement of strict justice to the criminal offenders.
Location: PBIEC showgrounds in The Wellington Club, 3400 Equestrian Club Drive Wellington, FL 33414
Date: Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
Time: 3:30PM
For any further comments, press inquiries or interview requests with founder and lead investigator of ARM, Richard “Kudo” Couto, please feel free to contact margot@arminvestigations.org.