Reward For Suspects Who Shot Pony 130 Times Grows To $5K

KENNETT SQUARE, PA -- On Monday, a 20-year-old Arabian/Appaloosa pony mix was reportedly abandoned at New Holland Sales Stables—and a veterinary examination quickly revealed that in addition to being blind in her right eye, the pony had been shot with nearly 130 paintballs and was in extraordinary pain.

Authorities have yet to make any arrests in this case, prompting PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"—to offer a reward of up to $4,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

This brings the total reward offered by PETA, the Lancaster County SPCA, and Omega Horse Rescue to $5,000.

"This gentle pony endured excruciating pain as she was shot dozens upon dozens of times with high-velocity balls of paint," PETA Cruelty Casework Director Stephanie Bell said in a press release. "PETA is urging anyone with information about this cruel act to come forward immediately, before the culprit or culprits decide to use anyone else as target practice."

The pony, which has been named Lily by her caretakers and rescuers, is recovering from surgery on her eyes. She was treated at the Penn Vet New Bolton Center in Kennett Square.

Dr. Nikki Sherrer performed surgery to remove Lily's right eye on Tuesday, and performed another surgery on her left eye to help it heal.

Although Lily is now permanently blind in her right eye, still has some sight in her left eye.

"Lily's right eye has a severe and painful condition and will never regain sight, and physical removal of the eye will allow her to be pain-free," said Dr. Rose Nolen-Walston, Associate Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine at New Bolton Center. "Horses do very well after this surgery. We expect her to make a full recovery."

Doctors added that Lily does not appear to have any major systemic problems at this time, but she is being kept in quarantine in the isolation wing of New Bolton Center's Moran Critical Care Center as a precaution.

Many people are asking about donations to cover the cost of Lily's care, and offering to adopt her.

Omega Horse Rescue is handling those inquiries.

Anyone with information about this case should contact the Lancaster County SPCA at 717-917-6979 or info@lancasterspca.org.