Pony Shot and Killed in Santa Rosa

The attack likely took place in the middle of the night. The Press Democrat reports that an area check by local law enforcement revealed a neighbor who heard what sounded like a gunshot at midnight, implying that Misty may have suffered a very slow and painful death. Misty’s body was collected by Animal Control and sent to U.C. Davis for necropsy to officially establish her cause of death.

Under California Penal Code § 597(a) any person convicted of maliciously and intentionally maiming or killing an animal can be imprisoned for up to three years in county jail and/or fined $20,000 for felony animal cruelty. In California, it is at the DA’s discretion whether animal cruelty is charged as a felony. A misdemeanor charge would bring up to one year imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine.

This would not be the first horse shot and killed maliciously in Sonoma County—two years ago, a horse named Delta Fox was shot and killed in the hills above Bennett Valley. ALDF also offered a reward in that case.

“Anyone who could shoot a kind and gentle horse for no reason is not only breaking the law but is a menace to society,” says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “Abusers who harm helpless animals often go on to victimize people as well, and we mean to see that this perpetrator is brought to justice.”

If you have information relating to the identity of the person or persons who shot and killed a horse near Crane Creek in Santa Rosa, CA, please contact the Animal Legal Defense Fund at 707-795-2533, x1010.

The Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit is investigating the case.


September 10, 2014
http://aldf.org/press-room/press-releases/5000-reward-offered-for-information-leading-to-arrest-of-horse-killer/


Animal Legal Defense Fund
http://aldf.org/