MCSO investigating death of Salt River horse

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. (KSAZ) -
A horse was found dead near the Salt River, and it has upset horse, activists.

Many agree some of the images of "Dottie" the horse are hard to look at but believe it's important that this case be solved. Now after a second examination the MCSO is asking the public to help.

"We saw definite holes in the horse that looked like bullet holes, I can't imagine them being anything else," said Rep. Kelly Townsend.

When Rep. Townsend heard there was a dead horse in the Salt River, she wanted to see it with her own eyes, and what she saw was not only disturbing but also confusing.

"It looked like there was a big chunk out of the hoof, and then bullet holes in the chest area, near the heart," said Townsend.

After an initial MCSO investigation had turned up no signs of foul play, her confusion turned to suspicion, suspicion that grew when she returned to the scene with experts and noticed the horse's body had been moved.

"If there were bullets in the horse that could have been retrieved they could have very easily fallen into the river and been swept away, because the horse had been sitting for a week," said Townsend.

MCSO announced their most recent investigation with a veterinarian determined that the horse was shot; now the question is why.

"We're asking for the public's help, I've been getting a lot of emails today as far as pictures and information that's going to help us maybe get a little closer to find out exactly what happened here but that's where we're at right now," said Deputy Joaquin Enriquez.

Rep. Townsend says it is critical that questions are asked until they find the answers. If you have any information, contact the MCSO at (602) 876-1011.