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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.
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