The shooting deaths of five horses at Peason Ridge Wildlife Management Area is currently being investigated by Ft. Polk personnel. Spokesperson for the Pegasus Equine Guardian Association Amy Hanchey said she believes the killings were no accident and is glad to know the base is investigating the matter.
“I’m hopeful they will be able to determine who shot those horses. I’m sure they have the resources to figure out who was in the area and things like that,” said Hanchey.
Hanchey said historical documentation shows the wild horses have roamed the area dating back to the 14th century and genetic testing indicates very strong Colonial Spanish ties.
“These horses are actually genetically significant. Until our genetic analysis, it was largely unknown that they had these unique genes that are a testament of biological isolation,” said Hanchey.
A post from the organization’s Facebook page says one horse, likely the first, was shot in the face, and then it appears the horses in the herd were shot as they tried to flee. Ft. Polk released a statement on the 31st, but Hanchey said the first report she received of the shooting was on the 29th, but the act could have taken place as early as the 27th.
“It kind of implied that Fort Polk was already aware of that earlier, but it happened within the week,” said Hanchey.
