URGENT REQUEST FOR ARRESTS AND CHARGES IN THE HEINOUS KILLING OF FUNNY BIZ, A RETIRED RACEHORSE VICIOUSLY SLAUGHTERED AT AN ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER FARM IN BROOKSVILLE, FL.

We, the undersigned, formally request that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office take immediate action to arrest and charge Mr. Juan Ortiz and his accomplices for their involvement in operating an illegal slaughter farm and perpetrating heinous acts, including the killing and butchering of a retired racehorse named Funny Biz.

The Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) has conducted a comprehensive investigation revealing that Funny Biz, a successful thoroughbred racehorse and descendant of the famed Secretariat, was brutally slaughtered for meat at an unlawful facility in Brooksville, Florida (Hernando County). Funny Biz met a tragic end at Mr. Juan Ortiz's illegal slaughter farm, where ARM operatives were undercover. This incident marks the first recorded instance of a thoroughbred horse being killed, butchered alive, and sold for meat.

Despite ARM's clear documentation and evidence, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office has made no arrests.

It is imperative to note that the sale or purchase of horse meat in the United States is illegal without USDA inspection. Additionally, Congress has prohibited the USDA from inspecting horse meat, rendering such transactions illegal. Florida law categorically criminalizes the possession of horse meat and designates the killing of a registered horse as a felony.

Alarmingly, over 15,000 horses are illegally butchered annually, with a significant proportion being former racehorses.

Individuals who commit egregious acts against animals and blatantly disregard the law must be held accountable. Failing to punish these crimes sends a dangerous message that breaking the law is acceptable. We urge the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Juan Ortiz and his accomplices. 

Complete the calls to action below to help secure justice for Funny Biz and the numerous other animals who have suffered at the hands of Mr. Juan Ortiz and his accomplices.

Contact the following and request that Mr. Juan Ortiz and his accomplices be brought to justice.
Hernando County (FL) Sheriff Al Nienhuis:
Email: TRoyal@hernandosheriff.org
Phone: (352) 754-6830

Hernando County (FL) State Attorney Bill Gladson:
Email: wgladson@sao5.org
Phone: (352) 671-5800

Sign ARM's petition.​

Click here for ARM's comprehensive investigative report.

For questions and inquiries, you can contact us directly at contact@oneprotest.org.