There have been numerous incidents in south Florida over the past decade or so of horses being butchered. Many of these have been taken from their pastures or stalls and found nearby. They have been show horses, children’s pets etc.. It has been speculated that it is illegals who sell the meat on the black market.
We had a local case a year or so ago with a stolen horse. Hispanic thief caught on security camera. Haven’t heard whether they ever caught him. I recall theories about black market sales for the motive.