RAPID CITY, S.D. – Authorities in Pennington County are intensifying their investigation after a horse was discovered deceased Wednesday, the victim of what appears to be a fatal assault near Pactola Reservoir.
Pennington County Deputies were dispatched to McCurdy Gulch Road at 9:06 a.m. Wednesday after the horse’s owners reported finding the dead animal. The initial investigation indicates that an unknown person assaulted the horse with a shovel, resulting in its death.
Investigators are collaborating with a Field Veterinarian from the South Dakota Animal Industry Board as they work to piece together the circumstances of the animal cruelty case in the Black Hills. Authorities believe the incident occurred within the last 24 hours.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to provide any relevant information. Property owners in the McCurdy Gulch Road area are asked to review any camera footage they may have for suspicious activity.
Anyone who observed unusual vehicles or people in the area is asked to contact the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division. Information can be reported directly to Investigator Weston McPherson at 605-394-6115.