Animal welfare groups have reacted angrily to the finding of an abandoned horse in Nevada with its brand cut from its rump.
The Humane Society has offered $US2500 for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible.
The brand removal left a large wound on dapple grey mare's hind quarter, but she is expected to recover and is destined for a horse sanctuary in California.
Nevada Agriculture Department enforcement officer Blaine Northrup said the mare was found running loose in Meadow Canyon.
Investigators determined that someone - likely the horse's owner - cut off the horse's skin in order to remove her identifying brand and evade detection.
The horse is in stable condition and has been rehomed through the Return to Freedom Sanctuary in Lompoc, California, which provides a safe haven for more than 200 wild horses and burros, as well as other horses saved from abuse, neglect and slaughter.
The humane society's equine protection specialist, Stacy Segal, said: "The public, law enforcement and humane community are all rightly outraged that someone could inflict this sort of cruelty upon a horse.
"There is no excuse for abandoning or maiming a horse and all horse owners have the responsibility to take proper care of their animals.
"Horse abandonment and abuse are serious crimes. We hope someone will come forward with the necessary information to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice."
The Nevada Agriculture Department is continuing its investigation and a local newspaper reports a potential lead is being followed in the case.
Meanwhile, the Return to Freedom sanctuary confirms that the mare is under veterinary care is getting prepared for transport to her new home at a sanctuary outside of San Diego called Horses of Tir Na Nog.
"Return to Freedom is grateful for their generous offer to welcome this mare to their sanctuary," it said on its website.
"This sweet girl, who is still a baby - the vet has estimated that she is likely only two years old - is going to have a happy ending thanks to the endless generosity and compassion of this community."
The sanctuary said it hoped to raise some additional money with a view to contributing to the reward fund.
"How long will it be before this person brutalizes another horse?
"If the reward never gets to be used, Horses of Tir Na Nog will get the donation to use towards her ongoing care and maybe a few apples."
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