Polk rancher finds horse dead with bullet wounds

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Jessie, an 11-year-old sorrel quarter horse, was shot and died from two wounds to the neck.

By TBO.com
Published: September 03, 2009

» Comments | Post a Comment

Polk County sheriff's deputies are looking for a horse killer.

Sometime between 5 p.m. Monday and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, someone with a rifle fired two shots at Jessie, an 11-year-old sorrel quarter horse, deputies said.

Jessie's owner found the mare Tuesday night. He told deputies he last saw the horse when he fed her and 11 other horses on Monday night. Jessie had two wounds to her neck. Deputies believe they were fired from a rifle. The horse likely died instantly, deputies said.

None of the other horses was injured, deputies said.

The pasture is behind the rancher's home at 737 Petes Lane in Davenport. The pasture is adjacent to County Road 547 and Bowen Drive.

Deputies are seeking the public's help in solving the case. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy Michael Burdette at (863) 534-7205 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.