A family in the Mackay region has been left shattered after discovering their thoroughbred horse, Skye, deliberately killed in their paddock on Beaconsfield Road, 4th October.
The heartbreaking discovery happened just after 8am on Thursday, just two minutes from the family home.
Skye’s body was found “in a lying down position”, Owner Melissa Turner at first suspected the horse had passed away from a snake bite.
The 19-year-old former racehorse was said to be in good health the night before the discovery. Having been the riding companion of Ms Turner’s daughter, Brooklyn, for the past six years in pony club and riding events.
Police have ruled Skye’s death as ‘foul play’ and are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. The death of the horse is now a matter subject to a major police investigation.
While there have been no solid developments in the case, owner Melissa Turner commented, “We have received a huge amount of support from the community and lots of calls have been made to Police Link.
“Not even just the horse community, they have been amazing. Just general people, especially people who live in the area who have driven past everyday and seen the horses.”
Rumours and names of alleged offenders have spread around the community and local high schools, Mackay police are following up on leads and the matter is still under investigation.
“The Major Organised Crime Squad from Rockhampton are here, they are experts in this field,” Sergeant Nigel Dalton from Mackay Police said.
Ms Turner stated, “The police have done a lot of testing, there might have been developments in the case that we are not aware of at this stage.
“The most important thing is that if people have information, they pass on how they heard it, not third hand information.”
Police have not revealed the cause of death.
The family have put up a sign in their paddocks to jog the memories of people who might have more information.
Local residents who may have dashcam footage from the night before (3rd October) or the morning of the incident are encouraged to report anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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