Reward Offered In Fatal Shooting Of Santa Rosa Girls' Pet Pony
SANTA ROSA (CBS SF) -- A animal rights group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the fatal shooting of a pony in rural Santa Rosa.
Published reports say the 16-year-old pony named 'Misty' was found bleeding by a passing cyclist near Crane Creek Regional Park. It was determined the pony had been shot and it died minutes later, according to reports.
The pony's owner told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that Misty was a pet for his 4- and 6-year-old daughters and that his pasture is near the road and not in an area where hunters would hunt.
"I feel very angry about it," Robert Sapiane, told the Press Democrat. "It puts you on edge, not being sure if this person is going to come back."
The Animal Legal Defense Fund said it also offered a reward in the case of another horse shot and killed in Sonoma County two years ago.
"Anyone who could shoot a kind and gentle horse for no reason is not only breaking the law but is a menace to society," said ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells in a press release. "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."
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Property Crimes Unit was investigating the case and urged anyone with information to call the 707-565-2185.
