An Australian couple are struggling to come to terms with a senseless attack on their beloved horse, Kakadu, which left the animal dying in a creek for two days.
Rod and Dorothy Watters were devastated to discover the treasured family horse dead in a creek on their property in Malabugilmah, Upper Clarence, last Tuesday.
The 27-year-old horse was shot in the hip by an intruder and lay injured in a creek for two days before he succumbed to his injuries. Police investigating believe the shooting occurred between 6pm on Sunday (18th) and noon on Tuesday (20th).
“An unknown person, or persons, had entered the property on Deep Creek Road, north of Malabuglimah and shot at least five bullets through windows of an unoccupied farmhouse. While on the property, the Watters’ horse was shot,” explained Richmond duty officer, Inspector Suzie Johnston.
Kakadu was first missed on Monday 19th when Dorothy Watters noticed his close companion alone in the middle of their paddock. A search was launched and Kakadu was eventually found in a creek.
A vet believed it took two days before Kakadu passed away from his injuries.
“He was deeply loved, especially by my grandchildren,” said Rod Watters. “We had him the whole time and he was a friendly old horse. He’d play with the kids and always come up and say hello.”
The couple are determined to find the perpetrator and are offering a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.