Just two days ago, a Colorado sheriff’s office revealed the tragic passing of a local pregnant mare who had been shot and killed while in her pasture. The law enforcement office, which is based in Telluride, Colorado, also explained that they were offering a $1,000 reward for information that would identify the criminal.
The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office tweeted out that they were investigating the suspected shooting of a pregnant Appaloosa horse that they believe occurred between Friday morning (Sept. 27th) and Saturday morning (Sept. 28th).
According to the Sheriff, the horse had to be put down due to her injuries, and she was valued at more than $25,000.
Sheriff offering $1,000 reward for info leading to ID and conviction of person who shot pregnant Appaloosa horse on Wilson Mesa pasture some time Fri am to Sat am. Horse worth $25,000+ and put down due to her injuries. If you have any info please contact dispatch 970-728-1911.
— San Miguel Sheriff (@SheriffAlert) October 1, 2019
Appaloosa horses are an American breed that is highly regarded for their unique spotted coat patterns, and the breed can be found with a wide variety of body types.
#FunFactFriday Appaloosa horses are famous for having spots and these spots can come in many patterns. "Leopard" Appaloosas have spots like a Dalmatian. "Blanket" Appaloosas have a white splash, usually with spots within it. "Snowcap" have a splash with few or no spots in it. pic.twitter.com/3amqYzH91Y
— Fully Vaccinated Pyramids (@PositivePyrami1) September 27, 2019
In a follow-up to their original tweet seeking more information regarding this terrible crime, the Sheriff’s office says that the Colorado Dept. of Wildlife officials are helping to investigate.
After bringing in the Wildlife officials into the investigation, they state that it’s possible that something else may have caused the death of the horse – speculating that the horse may have been attacked by an elk or “other wildlife.”
The CO Department of Wildlife and Sheriff's Office are investigating the cause of the injuries to the pregnant horse on Wilson Mesa believed to be shot. DOW officials say it is possible the horse was attacked by an elk or other wildlife.
— San Miguel Sheriff (@SheriffAlert) October 1, 2019
We hope that they discover what happened to this beautiful animal. No information is available as to the status of the foal.