Hardin Sheriff’s Department investigates livestock shootings

Feb. 4 – The Hardin County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate a string of recent livestock shootings.

According to reports, Ronnie Johnson of 1710 County Home Road told officers somebody had shot two of his horses during the night of Jan. 29.

Johnson said he believed the first horse, a Belgian mare died from a gun shot wound to the chest and said the second, a spotted Belgian colt suffered a similar injury to the neck.

Upon arrival to the scene, officers observed the colt alive but Johnson said he was unsure whether the animal would live or die.

Johnson said he last saw both horses alive and well Jan. 29 around 10 p.m. The next morning, Johnson said an individual contacted him at approximately 10 a.m. after noticing one of his horses down in the field.

J.P. Crotts of 2950 County Home Road reported his pregnant Black Angus cow shot earlier the same morning.

At the scene, officers spoke with Kenny Talley of 90 Covey Chapel Road and Eddie Milan of 95 Covey Chapel Road who both said they noticed one of Crotts’ cattle down during a drive the previous night.

Jan. 31, T.F. Rich of 500 Moore Road also reported two of his donkeys slain after he said a neighbor saw a pickup truck pull up at 3:30 a.m. earlier the same day and fired twice.