A cowardly and cruel act by a perpetrator in Rockwell, North Carolina has resulted in a 24-year-old retired standardbred having been shot in the head at close range
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A report today on salisburypost.com states that the standardbred -- referred to in the article as 'Wittie' -- was shot at close range with a small caliber weapon at roughly 11:30 p.m. on Friday, October 2 in the barn of owner George Stirewalt, Sr.
The incident was heard by Stirewalt's daughter, Montie Cline, who instantly rushed out to the barn area and found Wittie and Sugar Plum, a seven-year-old quarter horse, each shot under the right eye.
The article states that both horses are alive and are expected to recover. According to the article, Stirewalt said the veterinary bills stemming from the incident may reach $4,000.
Wittie is considered part of the family, after having been adopted by the family via the Standardbred Retirement Foundation when she was nine years old.
Stirewalt, a former deputy sheriff, has offered a $2,000 reward which he is hoping will lead to the arrest of the shooter.
Click here to the read the salisburypost.com article in its entirety.
(With files from salisburypost.com)