The last line of defense
South Florida SPCA (SFSPCA) is the last line of defense for abused and abandoned horses in Miami-Dade, Florida. It’s the only thing standing between them and starvation, death, and even slaughter. The GFAS and TAA accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit works with the county and responds 24/7 to local law enforcement to investigate cruelty and abandonment cases, and to seize and care for those victims at its Homestead, FL facility.
Our Mission
Marking it’s 30th year of continuous operations in 2022, SFSPCA is the only organization qualified to rescue, rehabilitate, retrain and rehome horses in Miami-Dade.
RESCUE
In cooperation with local law enforcement, SFSPCA rescues horses & livestock from abusive situations – including cases of animal cruelty and abandonment – and provides them with safe shelter, proper nutrition and immediate medical care.
REHABILITATE
The horses SFSPCA rescues come from the worst conditions imaginable. The livestock we rescue often come from illegal slaughter situations. Life saving measures are the first priority, involving extensive veterinary treatment, a careful refeeding program, and extraordinary efforts by staff and volunteers to restore abused horses’ health and trust.
RETRAIN
When physically and mentally ready, SFSPCA’s rescued horses receive training/retraining by staff and in some cases, outside professionals, to give them the best possible chance at adoption.
REHOME
SFSPCA’s goal is to adopt each horse into a forever home where its emotional, social, and medical needs
will be met and where it will be happy, safe, and loved for the rest of its life. Our goal for our livestock is to get them a non-food chain home or sanctuary placement for a life where they too will be safe and loved for the rest of their lives. An Adoption Committee oversees the comprehensive application process, and provides post-adoption support and monitoring.
EDUCATE
SFSPCA is dedicated to educating the public and promoting the humane treatment of equines and other animals through its outreach, member and volunteer programs, as well as through its website and social media channels. Events and community appearances also help raise awareness.
ADVOCATE
The fight for horses, livestock and other animals doesn’t stop at the ranch. SFSPCA promotes the welfare of equines, livestock and other animals through local and national advocacy. Its Legal Task Force, comprised of top attorneys, works pro bono assisting the county and state attorneys in the prosecution of civil seizure and criminal cruelty cases.
South Florida SPCA Over the Years
Fast Facts
Our Rescues
Since its founding in 1992, South Florida SPCA has rescued over 2,500 horses and other livestock.
Horses & Livestock
SFSPCA is a rescue dedicated to horses & livestock within Miami Dade County. We do not rescue cats, dogs, domestic pets or wildlife requiring a special license.
Non-Profit
SFSPCA is a private, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is not part of ASPCA nor affiliated with other SPCA groups.
More Animals
In the beginning, SFSPCA averaged 15 to 10 horses in its care. Today SFSPCA averages 50 horses plus cows, goats, sheep and what have you.
Budget
SFSPCA’s annual operating budget is $800,000. The organization relies on donations and grants from individuals, foundations, trusts and corporations to sustain itself. **
Private Ranch
SFSPCA operates its own Rescue Ranch Facility. The ranch is 10 acres, cross fenced with barns, shelters, paddocks and a residence. Having the ranch is a key component to providing safe harbor to the rescue animals.
Legislature
SFSPCA was instrumental in the passing of Florida’s Ivonne Rodriguez and Victoria McCullough Horse Protection Act of 2010, which gives law enforcement and the justice system the tools they need to make arrests and bring criminal horse abusers to justice.
Florida's Equines
With over 500,000 horses in the state, Florida has the third largest equine population in the country. (Texas is #1 and California is #2.)
** Since 2008, Miami-Dade Animal Services Department (ASD) has provided partial funding to the SFSPCA for the care and rescue of abandoned and stray horses and other large farm animals.
ASD provides comprehensive animal services including: large and small animal cruelty investigations, pet adoption programs, pet licensing services, mobile adoptions, spay/neuter programs and funds local outreach spay/neuter services through private veterinary offices and two satellite clinics. In 2015, ASD achieved it’s no kill goal. The new Pet Adoption and Protection Center is located in Doral, Florida. For more information please visit www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 311.
Financial Information
FY 2023
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2022
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2021
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2020
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2019
Financial Audit Report
Form 990 Part 1
Form 990 Part 2
FY 2018
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2017
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2016
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2015
Financial Audit Report
Form 990
FY 2014
South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Inc. (SFSPCA) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and clients.