Animal welfare authorities in Spokane County, Wash., are hoping the offer of a cash reward will help them identify those responsible for shooting a horse located in a pasture near Cheney.

According to a written statement by the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) on Oct. 22, neighbors reported hearing gunshots and witnessed a dark pickup truck stopped on the road near the pasture. Following the shot, the horse stumbled, then laid down on the ground. The driver of the pickup truck sped away from the scene, witnesses said. Neighbors notified the horse’s owner, who later discovered the animal dead in its pasture after sustaining a gunshot wound to its right shoulder area.

Nicole Montano, SCRAPS lead animal protection officer, said an investigation into the incident is under way. The agency is seeking the public’s help in identifying the shooter, she said.

"We have very little information on this investigation and we are encouraging anyone with any information regarding the shooting of this horse to please come forward," Montano said