HARPERSVILLE – Police are investigating two animals being shot and killed near Dead Hollow Road in Harpersville.

A 14-year-old cherished quarter horse and thoroughbred was killed on Dec. 27, and a goat was found killed the next day.

The perpetrator(s) in these incidents could face felony charges, according to police.

Harpersville Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and investigators with the State of Alabama’s Agriculture Rural Crime Unit are all investigating the crimes.

The goat belonged to a goat farm in the area and was apparently butchered for its meat, HPD Chief Jimmy Macon said and added that police have determined that the suspect(s) used an all-terrain vehicle.

The horse, however, was simply shot.

The animal was apparently baited to a remote area with food and shot at close range, Macon said.

“Right now, that’s the one that’s really puzzling us the most,” he said.

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego, in a press release, said he takes seriously this and other crimes that affect residents’ quality of life.

“Our investigators will work diligently to find the person responsible for this heartless act of cruelty,” Samaniego said in the release.

The animals belonged to different residents in the same area.

Macon said the investigation has not determined whether the incidents were related, but the investigation is ongoing, including determining the weapons used.

Macon urged anyone involved with the incidents to turn themselves in.

An anonymous donor has offered a $1,000 reward for information related to the case.

Anyone with information should call Harpersville Police Department at 672-8000. Tips can be left anonymously.

A cash reward is possible from CrimeStoppers for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) who committed the crime of killing the horse. Reports can be made anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling 254-7777.

Anyone with information about the incident involving the horse can contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office directly at 669-4181 or ShelbySO.com by clicking on the “Report Criminal Activity” link and choosing the “General Information” category.