LAPD investigating animal cruelty in case of horse shot dead and left in a Sylmar cul-de-sac

Police are investigating whether a dead horse found with its tail tied to a telephone pole in Sylmar was the victim of animal cruelty, authorities said Sunday.

The horse was found in a cul-de-sac near the 210 Freeway, said LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman.

“It appears the horse was shot in the head,” she said.

Investigators recovered evidence from the scene, which has stables nearby, she said. But they did not specify what the evidence was.

“We do have information that will eventually lead to an arrest,” LAPD Detective Eric Bixler told KTLA.

The horse was discovered at about 7 a.m. Saturday in the 11700 block of Kagel Canyon Street, Eisenman said.

L.A. City Councilman Felipe Fuentes, whose 7th District includes Sylmar, issued a statement, saying “The manner in which this horse was found is horrific. While we do not yet know exactly what happened, why the horse was left behind and who did this, I strongly believe authorities will get to the bottom of this case.

“Animal cruelty, to any degree, will not be tolerated. In Sylmar, one of the largest equine communities in the city, we value our horses. I urge our community members to speak up to investigators if they saw or know anything that could lead to an arrest.”

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