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Juvenile charged with killing horses in Appomattox County previously killed dog, authorities say

Authorities have also charged a 57-year-old man in the animal cruelty case

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APPOMATTOX COUNTY, Va. – The Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office is providing more details after a juvenile was arrested and charged in connection with the death of several horses earlier this month.

We previously reported that on March 14, five horses were shot and killed and at least three others were hurt. The sheriff’s office has now confirmed that in addition to the ones that were killed, five horses were injured in the incident. Authorities say they are expected to survive and are being treated under the supervision of Appomattox Animal control.

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In their investigation, authorities also learned that the same juvenile believed to be involved in this incident also killed a dog.

Fifty-seven-year-old Dennis Lee Martin, of Spout Spring, has also been charged with the following in relation to the incident:

  • Recklessly leave a loaded and unsecured firearm so as to endanger a child
  • Willfully contribute to the delinquency of a child

The sheriff’s office says investigators are working closely with Appomattox Animal Control, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General and the Appomattox County Commonwealth’s Attorney to decide whether to seek additional charges.

The Appomattox County community is collecting donations for the horses injured and killed in the shooting. Click here to learn more.

Anyone having additional information in regard to this case is asked to call the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office at 434-352-8241.


You may have noticed a difference in how we’ve been reporting on crime. To learn more, click here or email trust@wsls.com


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About the Author
Jazmine Otey headshot

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.