GRENADA – On Dec. 9, 2010, Lee Pickens of Grenada discovered that one of his horses had been shot to the death while grazing in his pasture, and another had been seriously wounded after being shot multiple times. In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal protection organization that operates the Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, initially offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who shot the two horses. An anonymous donor has now come forward and added $500 to that reward fund.
The assault happened at Pickens’ pasture on Sweethome Road in Grenada. Authorities said the horses were both grazing when they were shot.
A neighbor told Pickens he heard the shots the night before on Dec. 8, 2010.
Miss Kitty, Pickens’ 10-year-old grey Quarter Horse, sustained five bullet wounds: two to her chest, one behind her right front leg, and another two to her right side.
Authorities said it appeared Miss Kitty ran about 100 yards after she was shot and before she died from her wounds.
Pickens’ other horse, a 3-year-old Quarter Horse named Lil’ Bit, sustained a bullet wound to each front leg and one to her right front knee that crippled her.
Lil’ Bit was later euthanized.
Doll Stanley, Director of IDA’s Hope Animal Sanctuary, said: “Mr. Pickens visited us right after confirming his horses had been shot. He said the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department responded to his report of the shootings. We were greatly disturbed by the report that the horses had been senselessly shot in what appears to have been a random act of violence.”
Stanley added that: “Acts of violence towards animals, especially defenseless and vulnerable animals, are perpetrated by anti-social people who often also inflict suffering upon human beings.”
In Defense of Animals hopes the offer of a $1,000 reward will move someone to come forward with information.
Anyone with information about this or any other criminal act against animals should contact IDA’s Hope Animal Sanctuary at 662-809-4483.
Be the first to comment