A community campaign might convince poachers that horse owners in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are on the alert to stop them, hopes Judy Paul, mayor of Davie, Fla.

At least 17 horses have been stolen and apparently butchered for their meat in Miami-Dade County since January. An additional two horses were found slain in their pasture in nearby Broward County in May.

The Davie campaign encourages property owners to post signs warning poachers that they are on the lookout for suspicious activity. It also encourages people to share information with police and with each other.

Barn Watch signs will be posted throughout Davie, Paul said. Similar signs are available for horse owners to purchase