Investigation Report: Robbins Horse Auction (Exeter, Missouri)

Location: 305 W Commercial St, Exeter, Missouri

Auction Schedule: Horse sale, first and third Friday of each month

Owner: Evan Robbins

Veterinary Services Observed: Barry County Veterinary Services

Overview

As part of Animals’ Angels’ intensified investigative focus on Missouri — now recognized as a major hub within the U.S. horse slaughter pipeline — investigators conducted visits to the Robbins Horse Auction in Exeter.

This small, local auction operates twice monthly and handles relatively low numbers of horses compared to larger regional facilities. During visits in December 2025 and February 2026, Animals’ Angels investigators documented auction procedures, animal conditions, and buyer activity.

Of particular note was the repeated presence of a buyer associated with the Baker Kill Pen, indicating that even smaller auctions in the region continue to supply horses into the slaughter pipeline.

Investigation Observations

December 5, 2025

Arrival: 5:35 PM
Temperature: 35°F
Estimated Horses Present: ~20

Signs posted both inside and outside the facility prohibited photography and video recording.

All auction tags observed were marked “MOGZ.” Several tags were marked with red marker, indicating horses awaiting Coggins testing. A veterinarian was observed conducting these tests prior to the sale.

Buyer Observed: Hadley — buyer for the Baker Kill Pen

Sale Time: 8:15 PM – approximately 9:00 PM

Approximately half of the horses presented were sold. According to auction staff, several sellers declined final bids, choosing to retain their animals rather than accept the offered prices.

Notable Horses

• #5464 – Gelding: Emaciated; right ear turned downward. Sold for $175 to the Baker Kill Pen buyer.
• #5465 – Gelding: Emaciated; cut present in ear. Sold for $250 to buyer identified as “Mike M.”

According to the auctioneer, both horses reportedly came from a “kids ranch in Oklahoma.”

Another seller, identified as “Mike M.,” brought seven horses (mares and geldings). The seller stated the horses had come to him following a house fire in Missouri and that none had papers. These horses appeared to be in generally decent condition and sold for $550–$750 to various buyers.

Handling of the horses during the event appeared acceptable. Water was available.

February 6, 2026

Arrival: 6:00 PM
Temperature: 40°F
Animals Present: 6 horses and 1 donkey

The Baker Kill Pen buyer was again present.

Sale Time: 8:00 PM – approximately 8:15 PM

This sale was significantly smaller than the December visit, with only seven animals offered.

Notable Observations

• Two horses — a bay gelding and a bay mare — appeared noticeably thin and had been brought in together.
• Prices ranged from $150 to $1,250.

Purchases by Baker Kill Pen buyer

• Three horses
• One donkey

The animals were purchased for approximately $190 each.

Other sale prices included:

• Paint mare – $1,250
• Thin bay mare – $550
• Bay mare – $825

After the sale concluded, the Baker Kill Pen buyer proceeded directly into the auction office rather than waiting in line with other buyers, suggesting familiarity with auction management.

Handling appeared acceptable during the sale and water was available.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Robbins Horse Auction operates as a small regional sale with relatively low numbers of animals, but investigators confirmed the presence and purchasing activity of a buyer connected to the Baker Kill Pen during multiple visits.

Conditions for the horses observed during both investigations appeared adequate, with water available and handling generally acceptable.

Animals’ Angels will continue monitoring auctions throughout Missouri as part of its broader effort to document the networks that move horses into the slaughter pipeline.