Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SYRACUSE — The Humane Society of Utah is offering a $3,000 reward for information about the death of a thoroughbred horse worth more than $10,000.
The 6-year-old mare named Lady Antebellum was found dead Thursday in an 80-acre field near 2600 West and 2850 South, after the horse's caretakers found her on her side with a wound behind her front leg.
Syracuse Police described the injury as a puncture wound shaped like an X, and it is assumed the death may have been caused by an arrow, according to a Humane Society news release issued Saturday.
"We're interested in knowing more about what caused the death of this horse, but from the given information it seems like this was an intentional act of animal violence," said Humane Society spokeswoman Deann Shepherd in the news release. "This is very disturbing to think about, and the person responsible for this killing needs to be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Our condolences are given to Lady Antebellum's family at this time."
Possible charges include aggravated cruelty by killing an animal or causing an animal to be killed without legal privilege — a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year and (or) a $2,500 fine — criminal mischief, or wanton destruction of livestock, both of which would be second-degree felonies punishable by up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine if the damage is valued at $5,000 or more.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Syracuse Police Department at 801-825-4400.
Katie McKellar is a Dixie State University graduate with a bachelor of science in mass communication. Before interning at Deseret News, she reported and edited news content for Dixie Sun News, first as Photo Editor, then as Features Editor. Email: kmckellar@deseretnews.com
