INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) —Kyle Keller started Taylor Turn Stables from the ground up on the southwest side of Indianapolis.
Dashin Kitty was one of the first horses she bought for the stables in the 5700 block of West Southport Road.
Keller says the fact that someone would senselessly kill her horse is devastating.
“It’s no accident that this happened. Where she was hit was just left of center, that is a kill shot,” Keller said.
Keller bought Dashin Kitty 14 years ago. A former racehorse turned therapy horse, the 20-year-old American Quarter Horse mare brought happiness to many over the years.
“She was a lot of people’s best friend, teacher, therapy session each week. So whoever did this came and robbed a lot of people of their weekly happiness,” Keller said.
The stable operator says Dashin Kitty did as she always did Monday evening and went to graze with the other horses, but she never made it back to the herd.
“I got the call about 7:30 the next morning. A boarder had come out and found her passed away,” Keller said.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the city’s Animal Care Control were called to the scene Tuesday morning. They’re now looking for tips from the public to find whoever is responsible. IMPD says the horse was fatally shot between the eyes.
“I have no idea what would possess a person to do this,” the stable owner said. Keller and others at the stable say Dashin Kitty wasn’t just a horse. “They’re not pets. They’re family members. So, it’s horrific to think of someone coming and doing this to one of your family members and really not being able to do a whole lot about it.”
Keller says she hasn’t had a lot of time to process what has happened, but the void left by Dashin Kitty’s death is massive.
“There’s a big hole missing. It was her role, no one else is gonna fill it. It’s been tough to come out and take care of the herd and know that she’s gone, and being worried about someone coming and doing it to any of the others,” Keller said.
IMPD says Dashin Kitty was used to help children ride horses for more than a decade.
On Wednesday, IMPD officers advised horse owners in the area to bring their animals inside overnight.
Anyone with information in the case is urged to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477. Tips can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
