KAPAIA — Two horses were shot in Kapaia late Wednesday or early Thursday, owners and police say. One horse was fatally shot in the chest, suffocating to death after blood filled his lungs, while the other survived a bullet wound
KAPAIA — Two horses were shot in Kapaia late Wednesday or early Thursday, owners and police say.
One horse was fatally shot in the chest, suffocating to death after blood filled his lungs, while the other survived a bullet wound to his face, suffering fractured bones in his cheek and sinuses.
The incident occurred between the hours of 8 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. Thursday, owner Andrea Ellsworth said, at which time her husband discovered Earl — a retired champion rope horse that called the Eastside pasture his home — lifeless on the ground, and Buddy — a 5-year-old chocolate-brown gelding — with blood dripping from his cheek.
“He (her husband) knew right away what happened,” Ellsworth said Thursday, describing the horses as “our friends, our kids.”
“It’s heartbreaking and scary. You never think that someone will come and harm your animals,” she continued. “It seems to be a non-personal attack, but I fear for the safety of my animals and my friend’s animals.”
Horses have been protected under Hawai‘i’s animal cruelty felony statute since last year, and the Kaua‘i Police Department has already opened an investigation. Those convicted could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“It is a very sad thing when animals are senselessly killed or injured,” said Assistant Chief Roy Asher, head of the Investigative Services Bureau, who had a detective on scene Thursday morning. “We are investigating this incident and will take appropriate action upon completion of the investigation.”
A veterinarian examined both horses and was able to successfully extract the bullets, which will be used as evidence.
“From what we can tell, it appears they were shot with a high-powered rifle,” said Dr. Becky Rhoades of the Kaua‘i Humane Society, adding a $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who has information which may led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.
“This is really important for our community to come forward with any information, it’s not just about protecting our animals, it’s about protecting all of us,” she said. “I have no idea why anybody would do this; I can’t imagine why anybody would do something so cruel to helpless horses.”
Rhoades said the matter is “being taken very seriously and everything will be done for a thorough investigation,” as animal cruelty is “a very, very serious situation.”
People are urged to call Kaua‘i County Crime Stoppers at 241-1887 with information pertaining to the incident.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
