Miami Beach revokes license of club where horse was brought on dance floor

Dance floor at Mokai Lounge setting for controversial act with horse

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Partygoers at Mokai Lounge in South Beach saw a go-go dancer wearing black lingerie attempting to ride a white horse through the crowd. The woman fell down as a man struggled to control the panicked horse. 

Some recorded the spectacle and shared it on social media. And when animal lovers nationwide got a hold of the video, they were outraged.

"Disgusting. No words to describe what I feel when I watch this," Sofia Jaramillo wrote on Instagram. "I hope they get what they deserve." 

City officials revoked Mokai's business license Friday. Miami-Dade police officers tracked the white horse and a veterinarian determined the animal was unharmed and safe at a private farm. The dancer wasn't injured. 

Miami Beach Police Department spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez said detectives believed this wasn't the first time the nightclub used animals to entertain partygoers.

"Our investigation continues," Rodriguez said. 

Miami Beach city manager Jimmy L. Morales issued the order to revoke Mokai Lounge's Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use.

"I was disgusted and offended that any legitimate businessperson would think this was an appropriate action to take," Morales said. "This activity was not permitted, and as soon as we became aware, I immediately instructed staff to act swiftly in remedying this situation."

Morales cited a threat to the public health, welfare and safety as the reason to revoke the license.

"Animal cruelty is an abhorrent and vile act," Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said. "I fully support the immediate actions taken by the City Manager and his staff to ensure that this is remedied quickly."


About the Authors

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.

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