The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting a horse named Emma.

The Case: Someone shot Emma several times between the dates of Jan. 5-6 at a farm in the area of Levy County Road 326 near C.R. 343 in Levy County, Florida. After her injuries were discovered, she was taken into the care of Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue in Morristown, Florida. She received veterinary care to remove bullets and bullet fragments throughout her body. The young horse has fractures to her knee, splint bone and spine. The injuries will require numerous surgeries and splint bone amputation. A bullet also caused nerve damage, resulting in facial nerve paralysis. She has been released from the hospital and continues to recieve medical care for her extensive injuries.

Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

“It takes a truly callous person to shoot a gentle horse,” said Kate MacFall, the HSUS’ Florida state director. “We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this heinous crime."

The Investigators: Deputy Bubba Wells from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, and anyone with information about the case is asked to call 352-486-5111.

Resources: The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.

The National Sheriffs’ Association and the HSUS launched ICE BlackBox, a free smartphone tool, to allow users to record video of illegal animal cruelty and share it securely with law enforcement for possible investigation and prosecution.

The HSUS doubled its standard cruelty reward from $2,500 to $5,000 thanks to a generous donation from an HSUS board member. To see information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, visit our animal cruelty statistics page.

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