Boy Shoots Prized Horse

**pitc9** · 09-30-2004, 09:40 AM

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/3772582/detail.html

httpTeen Charged With Shooting Prized Horse
Horse Had To Be Euthanized

UPDATED: 9:45 AM EDT September 30, 2004

NEW PLYMOUTH, Ohio -- A teenager has been charged with shooting a prized horse on an Ohio farm that later had to be euthanized by police.

A show horse was shot and left to die along a rural road in Vinton County last month, WCMH-TV reported. Vinton County Sheriff David Hickey said Wednesday that he charged a 13-year-old boy with the Aug. 21 shooting of the half-Andalusian filly.

The teen was charged with one count of cruelty to and injuring animals, a first-degree misdemeanor. Hickey said he expected a felony charge, but that the Ohio Revised Code differentiates between animals and other types of property.

Authorities believe someone drove to Equestrian Ridge Farm in New Plymouth, lured a 3-year-old show horse to a fence and shot her between the eyes.

"It had severe trauma and bleeding and one of its eyes was blown away," said Jackie Stewart, owner of Equestrian Ridge Farm. "It was a horrible sight to see."

A neighbor believes he saw at least one suspect drive away in a pick-up truck moments after hearing the shot at about 7 p.m.

The neighbor called 911, but it was too late for the $7,500 horse that was raised on the farm since birth.

"(Authorities) had to put the horse out with two more gunshots," said Stewart. "It makes it really tough to know how loved it was … by the young girl who owned it."

Hickey said he believes another teenager will be charged in the incident.

Hickey said he does not know the motive for the shooting.

**ramanth** · 09-30-2004, 12:14 PM

**dukedogsmom** · 09-30-2004, 12:30 PM

Give me a gun and I'll let him know exactly how that horse felt! Only, I wouldn't make it a quick death at all. Shoot a couple of knees, first, make him really miserable. There's a special place in hell for this little hellion.

**snappy** · 09-30-2004, 01:05 PM

Ok I am nieve, but what is a 13 year old doing with a gun in the first place? I know someone will respond that some get them all the time....go hunting

etc. But I think the parents of this child should be held accountable also.

I will gladly help Dukedogsmom with the task of letting the boy know what the horse felt.

**DJFyrewolf36** · 09-30-2004, 04:05 PM

I wish this was a felony....stupid people

**caseysmom** · 09-30-2004, 04:35 PM

The sad part is this is not a felony and this punk will probably grow up to be some sicko murderer I have said it a million times but kids need pets to learn empathy.

**dukedogsmom** · 09-30-2004, 05:11 PM

I sometimes think it can't be learned. I think some are just born evil and have no feelings. A lot of killers have said they have no feelings at all.

**caseysmom** · 09-30-2004, 06:05 PM

I wonder that too, are some just born "bad seeds" it seems so.

**KYS** · 09-30-2004, 06:16 PM

I wish it were a felony too.
It never ceases to amaze me how cruel
us humans can be.

**Sweet Sixy** · 09-30-2004, 06:24 PM

There is nothing that breaks my heart more than sick people who can't be kind to innocent animals. That is disgusting!!! Who are the parents of this child...omg....

**cocker_luva** · 09-30-2004, 09:54 PM

Originally posted by dukedogsmom
Give me a gun and I'll let him know exactly how that horse felt! Only, I wouldn't make it a quick death at all. Shoot a couple of knees, first, make him really miserable. There's a special place in hell for this little hellion.

exactly plus more!!!

i hope this bastard rots in prison, then in hell!!!

**rg_girlca** · 09-30-2004, 10:28 PM

AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGG

"SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE, ONLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGALTO KILL THEM."

**leslie** · 09-30-2004, 11:43 PM

In November, animal abuse will be a felony in mass. YAY! So in ohio it is not? Just a misdimeanor? Even so, he should be charged and if laws ever change, he will eventually serve serious time- this kind of crime usually repeats itself- this is one sick kid.

**Friendy2004** · 10-01-2004, 10:55 AM

I am very upset about this as well... But I guess the part that upsets me the most is that the animal had to get shot 2 more times before it was killed... Could something more humane been done? Just curious.