Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2025. 7:13 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: A graphic video showing two young men violently chopping a horse has gone viral and sparked widespread outrage across Belize. Police have confirmed that the video is now part of an active investigation into the recent theft of 15 horses from a farm near mile 13 on the Philip Goldson Highway.
The footage, which has been circulating on social media since Wednesday, shows a helpless horse tied down and repeatedly attacked with a machete, while bystanders film and laugh. Authorities say the men in the video are known to law enforcement as gang affiliates, and efforts are underway to identify and locate them.
Joshua Trapp, the owner of the stolen horses, told police that he has seen the video and believes the injured animal is one of the eight horses still missing from his property. Trapp reported the theft on April 7, after discovering that 15 horses valued at $15,000 each were taken while his family was away. Seven of those animals were later recovered, tied up with ropes.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what they did. That looks like one of my horses,” Trapp told authorities.
The Belize Police Department has launched a manhunt for the individuals involved in the abuse and has urged anyone with information to step forward. In addition to livestock theft, those responsible could face charges of animal cruelty under Belizean law, which prohibits the inhumane treatment of animals.
Animal welfare groups have also condemned the video, calling it one of the most disturbing public acts of violence against animals seen in recent years.
Police say they are following several leads and reviewing additional footage that may help identify the location where the video was filmed and apprehend the suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest police station or call 922-TIPS anonymously.
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The post Shocking video of horse being chopped sparks outrage; Police hunt suspects tied to Ladyville theft appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
A graphic video showing two young men violently chopping a horse has gone viral and sparked widespread outrage across Belize. Police have confirmed that the video is now part of an active investigation into the recent theft of 15 horses from a farm near mile 13 on the Philip Goldson Highway.
The post Shocking video of horse being chopped sparks outrage; Police hunt suspects tied to Ladyville theft appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
