Crews begin demolishing illegal slaughterhouse

Four arrested in March 12 bust

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – An illegal slaughterhouse that was operating in northwest Miami-Dade County is being demolished Friday.

Sky 10 was above the scene about 12:15 p.m. as police tape surrounded the property a crews worked to remove debris while breaking several structures apart.

Some chickens were spotted roaming the area.

Four people were arrested in the March 12 bust, including Henry Parra-Oporta, 37, Gregorio Santa Ana, 69, Jose Armando Solis, 35, and Ruben Rodriguez, 67.

All four suspects are facing multiple animal cruelty charges in what police are calling the largest animal rescue in the country this year.

Authorities said 9,500 animals were found at the property. Some were being starved, deprived of water and slaughtered in vicious ways, police said.

 More than 3,000 animals were discovered in such poor conditions that they had to be euthanized by veterinarians at the scene, police said.

The rescued animals are in the custody of the Animal Rescue Mission, where they will receive nutritional and medical assistance.

Police said many dead animals were also found throughout the property.

A representative with the Animal Rescue Mission was at the 200-acre property on Friday.

"The animals have been rescued. (We're) getting rid of anything and everything else," Richard Couto said.

Investigators said their main concern is to make sure another illegal operation doesn't get started again. Authorities said it is common after a raid for others to move back in and continue illegal operations.

"A farm animal, or an animal in general, will never be brought on this site again -- everything goes," Couto said.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.