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2 horses shot
  
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By Coco Zickos - The Garden Island
KAPAIA — Two horses were shot in Kapaia late Wednesday or early Thursday, owners and police say.
One horse was fatally shot in the chest, suffocating to death after blood filled his lungs, while the other survived a bullet wound to his face, suffering fractured bones in his cheek and sinuses.
The incident occurred between the hours of 8 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. Thursday, owner Andrea Ellsworth said, at which time her husband discovered Earl — a retired champion rope horse that called the Eastside pasture his home — lifeless on the ground, and Buddy — a 5-year-old chocolate-brown gelding — with blood dripping from his cheek.
“He (her husband) knew right away what happened,” Ellsworth said Thursday, describing the horses as “our friends, our kids.”
“It’s heartbreaking and scary. You never think that someone will come and harm your animals,” she continued. “It seems to be a non-personal attack, but I fear for the safety of my animals and my friend’s animals.”
Horses have been protected under Hawai‘i’s animal cruelty felony statute since last year, and the Kaua‘i Police Department has already opened an investigation. Those convicted could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“It is a very sad thing when animals are senselessly killed or injured,” said Assistant Chief Roy Asher, head of the Investigative Services Bureau, who had a detective on scene Thursday morning. “We are investigating this incident and will take appropriate action upon completion of the investigation.”
A veterinarian examined both horses and was able to successfully extract the bullets, which will be used as evidence.
“From what we can tell, it appears they were shot with a high-powered rifle,” said Dr. Becky Rhoades of the Kaua‘i Humane Society, adding a $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who has information which may led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.
“This is really important for our community to come forward with any information, it’s not just about protecting our animals, it’s about protecting all of us,” she said. “I have no idea why anybody would do this; I can’t imagine why anybody would do something so cruel to helpless horses.”
Rhoades said the matter is “being taken very seriously and everything will be done for a thorough investigation,” as animal cruelty is “a very, very serious situation.”
People are urged to call Kaua‘i County Crime Stoppers at 241-1887 with information pertaining to the incident.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
One horse was fatally shot in the chest, suffocating to death after blood filled his lungs, while the other survived a bullet wound to his face, suffering fractured bones in his cheek and sinuses.
The incident occurred between the hours of 8 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. Thursday, owner Andrea Ellsworth said, at which time her husband discovered Earl — a retired champion rope horse that called the Eastside pasture his home — lifeless on the ground, and Buddy — a 5-year-old chocolate-brown gelding — with blood dripping from his cheek.
“He (her husband) knew right away what happened,” Ellsworth said Thursday, describing the horses as “our friends, our kids.”
“It’s heartbreaking and scary. You never think that someone will come and harm your animals,” she continued. “It seems to be a non-personal attack, but I fear for the safety of my animals and my friend’s animals.”
Horses have been protected under Hawai‘i’s animal cruelty felony statute since last year, and the Kaua‘i Police Department has already opened an investigation. Those convicted could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“It is a very sad thing when animals are senselessly killed or injured,” said Assistant Chief Roy Asher, head of the Investigative Services Bureau, who had a detective on scene Thursday morning. “We are investigating this incident and will take appropriate action upon completion of the investigation.”
A veterinarian examined both horses and was able to successfully extract the bullets, which will be used as evidence.
“From what we can tell, it appears they were shot with a high-powered rifle,” said Dr. Becky Rhoades of the Kaua‘i Humane Society, adding a $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who has information which may led to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.
“This is really important for our community to come forward with any information, it’s not just about protecting our animals, it’s about protecting all of us,” she said. “I have no idea why anybody would do this; I can’t imagine why anybody would do something so cruel to helpless horses.”
Rhoades said the matter is “being taken very seriously and everything will be done for a thorough investigation,” as animal cruelty is “a very, very serious situation.”
People are urged to call Kaua‘i County Crime Stoppers at 241-1887 with information pertaining to the incident.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of kauaiworld.com.
Kauaibrad wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:02 AM:
" First seals, not horses. This is weird. We got a problem here. All kinds of crime on the rise, including senseless weird crime you won't see too many other places. Wake up Kaua'i. Not handling the changes or pressure of the world too well. "
Kauaibrad wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:04 AM:
" That's first seals, now horses. Anyway, this is not an isolated incident to be ignored. Kaua'i's got serious anti-social trends developing. Wake up Kaua'i, before you lose it. "
GILGAMESH wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:26 AM:
" I will give a $500.00 finders fee for the testicles of the person who did this...You are a walking talking poster child for abortion. You have no right to live in a civilized community. People of your ilk and kind are on par with child molestors, murders, rapist...In reality, you need to die and i would love to be the one who takes you out...We all need to be on the look out for evil people like this, if he is your son or father or neighbor, turn him in, i will give you the $500.00, it's all i got to give at this time... For my liberal friends who think i might be a lil to crazed, i give you this,,,try walking down any big city at night or day, there are some places you just don't go for it is to dangerous, why is it dangerous, cause people don't have consequences for their actions of mayhem. We would rather allow drive by shootings of innocents rather to punish the guity,,as a nation, we need to top China, Iran and others by being the leaders of the world in executing people not fit to breathe our air by their actions of murder, rape, heck the dude who shot and killed this horse or the seals should be killed, then mayhap other evil people might take notice and realize, we are out for you...we are gonna get you.. "
makuahine_808 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:58 AM:
" Now this is another sad news here on KAUAI........There are just stupid senseless people on this island that really needs counseling in their lives....May god punish you and ROTT IN HELL!!!!
My prayers goes out....... "
My prayers goes out....... "
ssdavies wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:13 PM:
" That is the lowest of the low... first animals then people perhaps? Jail is too good for this slime bucket. And he/they will be caught, and hopefully punished to the fullest extent of the law. That is if our liberal judges don't turn them loose on society. "
looking4u wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:32 PM:
" It is interesting that the same evening just up that same road on private property a farm was ransacked and robbed, not the first time either. It is interesting that at the end of this same road there is ALOT of late night early morning gatherings. I am truly sorry for what Ben and Andrea have to go through, the loss of a pet is like the loss of a member of your family. What makes it horrendous is that it was a helpless animal. I can only imagine the type of person/persons you are that can do this to a beautiful creature and still be able to sleep at night. When you, and I know you are not alone, when you and your friends are caught, please pray it is not by me I hope you are dealt the harshest punishment. I have other things in mind if I ever find you and believe me, I am looking for you. "
saltpondslim wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:58 PM:
" We can connect the dots on this one. The same sub-human monster that shot those seals is probably the same one who took pot shots at these poor horses. Shooting a defenseless animal is the purest expression of cowardice. The person we're looking for here is probably a frightened, insecure little mouse who has no business owning a gun until he proves he can own brain. "
kauaiauwe wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:04 PM:
" GILGAMESH, right on! I will give another $500 for him, dead or alive. "
blueblood wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:49 PM:
" To top it off they just let some guy out on bail that was shooting a gun in a crowded park on the north shore. I mean the guy was not even in jail for a day! Hey KPD, start your investigation with this dirtbag and his cronies. This is one story that we can all agree on, these criminals are @#*&!# up! "
rednksurfer wrote on Jul 10, 2009 2:20 PM:
" Kauai needs the traffic cameras on all major stoplights that record passing cars at night. A great way to identify theives, murderers, horse killers. The Police can check and make a list of all traffic during certain times to narrow down list of suspects. It is already working in many major cities to catch perpetrators. Very cheap to do for the benefit to our safety. Call your council and request a budget proposal. It will pay off in the long run when somebody's life is at stake.
Call now.
Mahalo.
Rednksurfer "
Call now.
Mahalo.
Rednksurfer "
set2jet wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:06 AM:
" Ben and Andrea are two of the most amazing horse owners and humans you could imagine knowing. Why do the worst things happen to the most wonderful and generous people? They love their horses, they love their friends and family, and they love God. The crime is horrific, and the hearts of the shooters must be cold as stone to harm the innocent, and in turn hurt the people who lovingly care for them. It is a small island, folks! Let's get the "Coconut Wireless' on HIGH ALERT to find these sociopaths before they think that they have gotten away with it again, or perhaps start to think that shooting people might be even more fun than innocent animals. Someone knows who they are...turn in your partner in crime and get the reward! This will never fade away, and neither will WE until we find YOU! May God have mercy on you to melt your frozen hearts and turn yourselves in! "
Fran wrote on Jul 18, 2009 10:26 AM:
" I was so sad to read that this happened to you guys, Andrea and Ben......
It's pretty terrifying to know that this psycho is walking amongst Kaua`i's residents and we don't even know who it is. Perhaps it's the same sicko who shot those seals??
I'm not an expert, but did learn in Psychology 101 that an "unbalanced individual' (for lack of a printable term) usually starts off harming animals, before moving on to people and committing more serious crimes. Please be careful when you guys are back up in the pasture, Andrea and Ben. Who know's what this sicko is planning........ "
It's pretty terrifying to know that this psycho is walking amongst Kaua`i's residents and we don't even know who it is. Perhaps it's the same sicko who shot those seals??
I'm not an expert, but did learn in Psychology 101 that an "unbalanced individual' (for lack of a printable term) usually starts off harming animals, before moving on to people and committing more serious crimes. Please be careful when you guys are back up in the pasture, Andrea and Ben. Who know's what this sicko is planning........ "
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mrtype3vw wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:30 PM: