Fayette Horse Found With Arrow In Head

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — A horse is recovering after undergoing major surgery to remove arrows lodged in its body. The horse's owner said the injuries are the result of animal cruelty.

Misty was standing near a fence on a farm when a neighbor driving by noticed she had arrows stuck in her. Although a veterinarian worked on her for about four hours, she's still not out of the woods.

"It was a terrible act of cruelty," said Misty's owner, Nancy Padovano.

SLIDESHOW: Horse Shot With Arrows (WARNING: Pics May Be Disturbing) Horse Shot With Arrows

Someone shot 8-year-old Misty with arrows early Sunday morning. Misty was on her owner's farm in Fayette County when she was shot.

"Somebody surrounded her and just hit her with all the ammo they must've had," said Padovano.

One arrow went straight though the mare's neck. Another arrow lodged in her spine and a third came to rest in the side of her head.

"I slowed down and realized that something really was very wrong," said neighbor Rachel Byrd.

Byrd said she was driving past the farm Sunday and noticed the arrows sticking out of Misty.

"She was scared to death. She wouldn't let us catch her. You could tell in her eyes that she was in a lot of pain and she was very scared," said Byrd. "Being a horse person, it was difficult to see because I don't understand how, how a person could find that fun or entertaining."

The Padovanos rescued Misty three years ago and say she's been a gentle, friendly horse ever since. Many in the community would like to know who shot her.

"I think it's very, very, very important because more than anything I think they need to pay for it," said Byrd.

"I just thought the world should know that this cruelty happens and we have to stop it," said Padovano.

The vet said even if Misty recovers from this, she could still suffer from bone disease.

The Georgia Outdoor Network is offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction.

WSBTV