FCSO investigates horse shooting

After a fatal shooting sometime late Friday or early Saturday, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any information about the killer of five equine victims.

On Highway 83 in Russellville, sometime between 10 a.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday, someone shot and killed five horses and one black Labrador, according to FCSO Sheriff Shannon Oliver. A sixth horse, Oliver said, was shot and injured.

“Some were in her pasture, and some were in the field adjacent,” Oliver said. “It’s crazy. The poor animals – they didn’t deserve that.”

Oliver said the owners were out of town during the day Friday and noticed one dead horse when they returned home that night.

“When they got up after daylight and got to looking, they noticed the others,” Oliver said. Only Oliver said the FCSO currently has no leads on suspect or motivation but is working with the ALEA Real Crimes division for extra assistance on the case.

“All of the horses were shot in different locations on their bodies,” Oliver added. As of Monday, Oliver said the wounded horse was still surviving.

Anyone who might have information about this crime can call the FCSO at 332-8820.