A Texas sheriff has voiced his anger over the fatal shooting of a seven-month-old filly in her paddock, saying "We won't tolerate this behaviour in our community".
"We intend on giving this case the attention it deserves so charges can be brought against those responsible," said Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler.
Fowler is calling for public help in identifying those behind the killing of the filly, named Bald-Face Lie, who was found dead in her pasture shortly after 10.30am on Sunday.
He said the ranch horse trainer and a ranch hand reported going to the property on 2400 block of Fox Road to tend cows on the property and found her dead.
A veterinarian confirmed that afternoon that the cause of death was a shot to the forehead.
Sheriff's investigators believe the filly had been shot with a high-powered rifle sometime between late Saturday evening and early Sunday morning.
Ranch owners, Kris Larsen and Billy Martin, who raise about 20 young cutting horses annually, said the horse was bred from a champion line of professional cutters and was easily valued at $US20,000, even though she was a yearling.
"I don't understand how someone could do something like this," Larsen said, praying that the suspects are caught and face prosecution. "They've shot our horse. They have to live with themselves now."
She said a male sibling of the horse had been broken in and trained as a cutting horse and sold for $US25,000.
She and Martin expected Bald-Face Lie to be worth more due to her outstanding conformation; she was bred from Light N Lena and Playboy's Special Copy.
Sheriff Fowler said he was deeply disheartened by the event, knowing a beautiful horse was lost as the result of a senseless, criminal act.
Parker County Crime Stoppers has listed the crime as the Crime of the Week and a reward of up to $US1000 is offered. The horse and property owners have offered to pay an additional $US1000 for tips leading to the arrest and indictment of any suspects, saying the caller may also remain anonymous.
Sheriff Fowler is urging the public to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at (817) 599-5555. Callers may remain anonymous.
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