Weanling Fatally Shot By Rifle at Kentucky Farm

[Wandering Eyes]

A nine-month-old Thoroughbred was shot with a rifle while turned out in a Kentucky paddock with other horses during the overnight hours of Sep. 27-28 on a Tates Creek Road farm near the borderline of Jessamine and Fayette counties.

The weanling had to be euthanized because of its injuries when it was found Friday morning, said an investigator from the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office.

Lieutenant Anthony Purcell confirmed via phone to TDN on Friday afternoon that deputies from his department responded to Springhouse Farm at 6585 Tates Creek Road early Friday to investigate a report from someone at the farm about a gunshot horse.

“I don’t think it was shot at close range. It was in a paddock. From where the horse was found and was probably trying to get up, I’d say it was no more that 120 yards from the road,” Purcell said. “There were maybe 10 to 13 other horses in that paddock. I don’t know that it was specifically targeted as much as that was just the one that ended up being hit.

“It was a rifle round. I think it ended up paralyzing the horse, probably injuring its spine. The owner found it in the morning, and had to euthanize the animal. We did recover numerous shell casings on the roadway; they’re all the same caliber. There were no other animals injured that we’re aware of, only that one.”

Purcell continued: “It’s a rural area. There are several horse farms and houses in the area, so I couldn’t rule out somebody being on foot. More than likely it was somebody in a vehicle, but that’s strictly conjecture at this point. Hopefully this was a random cruel act. I hate to think that somebody would start driving around and targeting these horses, but I really can’t rule that out.”

Purcell urged home and farm owners in the area to be vigilant. He said his department would appreciate tips or leads in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (859) 885-4139. @thorntontd

View the full article