A reward fund for information about the fatal attack on a miniature horse in Saanich now stands at $7,100.
The donations reflect Greater Victoria residents’ revulsion with the crime — the horse had to be euthanized after an unknown instrument tore her rectum — and the fear that the person responsible could commit further offences, says the anonymous animal-lover who kick-started the fund with $2,000.
Saanich police are actively investigating the January attack on China Doll, said spokesman Sgt. Steve Eassie.
“We are hoping for a successful outcome,” he said. “We are following through with some investigative leads right now, and we are taking it very seriously.”
Four-year-old China Doll, known as Dolly, was attacked in her stall on Holland Avenue about 11 p.m. Jan. 11.
The horse, just 75 centimetres tall at her shoulder, was found in the morning by owner Kerry Hollebone with blood pouring from under her tail.
Veterinarian Danica Olenick found that Dolly’s rectum had been torn, allowing feces to enter her abdomen. During a post-mortem examination, Olenick found swelling and bruising around the horse’s vulva, vagina and anus.
Hollebone is having difficulty coping with Dolly’s violent end, and the memories are flooding back as the Vancouver Island Miniature Horse Club prepares for its annual June show in Mill Bay.
“Last year, Dolly was champion senior mare in the show,” she said.
Hollebone’s other miniature horse is staying with friends and, even though she misses him, she does not want to bring him home until the person who attacked Dolly is caught.
“I would just be worried all the time. I wouldn’t be able to sleep — that’s hard enough now,” she said.
The reward fund is being administered by the Scotiabank branch at Douglas Street and Hillside Avenue, under the account name Reward for China Doll. Donations can also be made at other Scotiabank branches to account 90050-001-4729.
Saanich police is asking anyone with information to contact them at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
