Sarah Barringer, the owner of the horse, says she believes it was intentional
Jade was killed on Monday in her corral
MORLEY, MI -- We have disturbing news in Mecosta County, where investigators say someone apparently shot and killed a horse on Monday.
It happened in a woman’s backyard in Morley, and now, she wants answers.
Shot and killed like a deer. That’s how the owner of Jade, the eight year-old mare that died Monday, describes the shooting that happened in her back yard, right in broad daylight.
"I don't think it was on accident, it looked like it was intentional," said Jade’s owner, Sarah Barringer.
Barringer is in shock, wondering why somebody would shoot what she calls a part of her family. The horse was just getting the hang of being a good barrel racer. She was shot in the corral of her Morley home. Sarah heard gunshots, but didn't think much of it because she says several people hunt in the area and the season's getting close.
"Saw her laying there, didn't think nothing of it because she likes laying down, came back out a half an hour later or so, went and checked on her, and she was down, and there was a bullet hole," describes Sarah.
Sarah's veterinarian cut open the horse today looking for the bullet. She believes it pierced Jade's heart or lungs. Now, the mother of two small children, several pets, and four other horses is worried.
“Yes I’m concerned, I’ve called people, I’ve contacted people who have horses, and said, "Hey, my horse was shot, don't know who did it, don't know if it was some guy shooting horses, don't know if it was after me."”
Sarah hopes to collect donations and offer a reward for somebody to step up, to man up, to tell police who did this senseless crime.
We talked to the Mecosta County Sheriff and he says the bullet pulled from the horse’s body will be put into evidence.
He says it's still unclear if it was intentional or a stray bullet, but if it was on purpose, the suspect would face a felony for malicious destruction of property.
If you have any information, contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office at (231) 592-0150.
