The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting a horse near Weatherford, Texas.

Reports indicate a ranch employee found the horse dead in its pasture Jan. 30. The Parker County Sheriff's Office said the horse had been shot between the eyes at close range with a high-powered rifle.

The Parker County Sheriff's Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Parker County Crime Stoppers at 817/599-5555.

"Senseless acts of animal cruelty like the shooting of this horse should not go unpunished," said Keith Dane, HSUS director of equine protection. "We hope this reward will help law enforcement bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice