Breeders Cite Plant for Foal Deformities
OCALA, Fla. — Thoroughbred breeders in Central Florida report a rash of miscarriages and deformed foals in recent months, and they suspect lead emissions from a cat-litter plant are to blame.
The breeders are concerned that Mid-Florida Mining now plans to burn what are technically known as “non-hazardous, contaminated soils.”
Ocala is the hub of the state’s breeding farms, its third-largest industry behind citrus and tourism. Florida ranks behind only Kentucky and California in foal production.
Several breeders are now banding together in a battle to prevent Mid-Florida Mining from expanding its operation north of Ocala.
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