Southwest Ranches are vowing crackdown on horse killers after the recent slaughter of a thoroughbred named Marco. Mayor Jeff Nelson proposed a new town ordinance to guarantee anyone caught butchering a horse in Southwest Ranches would pay a $3,500 fine and spend one year in jail.
Investigators with the Broward Sheriff's Office think someone led Marco out of the gate, then drove him to a secluded spot a half a mile away before butchering him..
With Marco's owner watching from the audience, the Town Council unanimously approved the Equine Protection Act — also called Marco's Law — last week on first reading. A final vote is expected on Oct. 11.
"We are an equestrian community and we were outraged," Nelson said before Thursday's vote. "The death of your horse was not in vain. He will not be forgotten. Anyone caught abusing a horse in this town will be held accountable. We hope this never happens again."
Life hasn't been the same for Sangiao-Parga — or his horse Sofia — since Marco disappeared from his paddock on Aug. 18.
Investigators with the Broward Sheriff's Office think someone led Marco out of the gate, then drove him to a secluded spot a half a mile away before butchering him. Nelson says detectives with the Broward Sheriff's Office are close to solving the crime.
"BSO is making a lot of progress in the case," Nelson said. "We say in our prayers every day that this scumbag is brought to justice. We will all stand up and cheer."
As a child, Sangiao-Parga loved being around his grandfather's Arabian horses. As a young man, he dreamed of having a horse of his own. Marco was given to him as a birthday gift six years ago.