Posted: Friday, April 11, 2025. 3:49 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: The Belize Police Department has confirmed that the three teenagers who were seen in a widely condemned video chopping a defenseless horse will be formally charged under Section 326 of the Criminal Code for Cruelty to Animals, among other offenses.
According to an update shared by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, the teens will also be charged with Cattle Theft and Abetment to Commit Cruel to Animal—charges which carry heavier penalties than cruelty alone.
“Those involved will be charged with Cruel to Animals, contrary to section 326 of the Criminal Code. Contrary to what is being said, this offense carries a penalty of 6 months imprisonment,” Williams wrote.
“Additionally, they will be charged with Cattle Theft and Abetment to Commit Cruel to Animal. These two offenses also carry heavy penalties.”
The charges stem from a disturbing video that circulated widely on social media, showing three teens laughing as they inflicted machete wounds to the head and back of a tied-down horse. The animal survived the attack and is currently being treated by BAHA veterinarians for infected wounds.
The update from the police department comes amid growing public pressure to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, with many Belizeans criticizing what they see as a long-standing lack of consequences in past animal cruelty cases.
Police say they are working closely with prosecutors to ensure a strong case is presented and that those responsible are held accountable.
The teens remain in custody pending formal arraignment in the coming days.
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The post Teens who hacked horse to face criminal charges, including cruelty to animals and cattle theft appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
The Belize Police Department has confirmed that the three teenagers who were seen in a widely condemned video chopping a defenseless horse will be formally charged under Section 326 of the Criminal Code for Cruelty to Animals, among other offenses.
The post Teens who hacked horse to face criminal charges, including cruelty to animals and cattle theft appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
