APPOMATTOX COUNTY, Va. – A juvenile was arrested and charged after killing five horses, and injuring three others, according to the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they were notified Tuesday by animal control of multiple horses being shot in the 1600 block of Double Bridges Road in Spout Spring.
The sheriff’s office said upon investigation, it was determined that five horses had been shot and killed, with at least three others wounded.
“It was very unusual to have this many horses shot,” Appomattox County sheriff Donald Simpson said. “A very disturbing crime to say the least.”
Authorities said veterinary care was requested for the horses and a full forensic investigation was launched.
On Wednesday, investigators developed information that led to the arrest of a juvenile for the offense, deputies said.
The suspect is facing felony animal cruelty charges.
“This is very serious,” Simpson said. “We’re taking this very seriously, and we’re doing everything we can.”
We reached out to the county’s commonwealth attorney who declined to comment on the case but said the juvenile will likely be in court on Thursday.
Sheriff Simpson could not share the suspect’s motive and said there could be more charges associated with the case. The investigation is ongoing.
On Friday, the sheriff’s office told us that the number of animals injured could change and said there could be more charges associated with this case as well.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office at 434-352-8241.