Buford woman offers reward after horse shot to death

BUFORD - A Buford woman is offering a $500 reward for information in the shooting death of her 8-year-old quarter horse.

Mary Lynn Whiten lives on five acres about a mile from the Mall of Georgia. She says she heard at least one gunshot and dogs barking about 4:45 p.m. Monday. She crossed a paddock to investigate and found the horse bleeding to death.

She reported the shooting to police and is offering the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Gwinnett County Police spokeswoman Corporal Illana Spellman says the shooter could face animal cruelty charges.

Whiten has raised horses for more than 30 years. But after the shooting, she says she doesn't know whether she will try to replace the horse. And she says she's beginning to wonder whether she needs a bulletproof vest to work around her property.