The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the intentional mutilation of a 15-year-old Quarter Horse in Bristol, Tenn.

The horse, named Blaze, was found injured on Sept. 15. His left front shoulder was nearly severed and a major artery was cut. The horse had to be euthanatized.

It is believed that the culprit scaled a metal gate to enter Blaze’s pasture on Lakeview Dock Road sometime late on Friday, Sept. 14 or early on Saturday morning, Sept. 15. Officials said they believe a machete or hunting knife was used to injure the horse.

Contact Greg Whitehead, agriculture department investigator, at 423/239-6541 to report any information on the case.

The HSUS First Strike Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators, and families. The organization also offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit www.hsus.org/firststrike.