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Case Snapshot
Case ID: 5458
Classification: Burning - Fire or Fireworks
Animal: horse
More cases in Harnett County, NC
More cases in NC
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Horse set on fire
Erwin, NC (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Aug 21, 2005
County: Harnett

Disposition: Not Charged

Abuser names unreleased

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

Authorities say Vonda Hamilton's horse, Dixie, was set on fire. They believe four girls between the ages of 12 and 15 to be suspects in the animal abuse case.

Harnett County Sheriff Larry Rollins calls the case malicious. He says investigators have identified four girls between the ages of 12 and 15 and are close to making arrests.

While investigators do not have a motive, Rollins said the girls likely used hairspray or perfume to start the fire.

Dixie, Hamilton's 2-year-old registered spotted saddle horse, had just been sold for $4,500. Before the owners of Hamilton Stables could even send her off, authorities say someone tried to burn off her tail.

Whoever committed the crime came on the Hamiltons' property while they were not at home. The family was away at the beach for a three-day weekend and did not know anything was wrong until they returned.

The horse's flowing tail once brushed the ground. Now, what is left of it may have to be amputated. Even worse, Dixie's veterinarian says she has only a 60 percent chance of surviving.

Hamilton says she now has to give her horse medicated baths at least four times a day. Dixie's veterinarian says she has a 60 percent chance of survival.

The infection in her tail spread to her leg, making the horse, which has been known to come up to strangers, now struggle with every step.


Case Updates

More than a month after a Harnett County horse's tail was burned, investigators have yet to make an arrest in the case.

Authorities believe teenage girls used hairspray or perfume to start the fire, but so far, no one has been arrested.

"I don't think juveniles should be able to get away with this," said Vonda Hamilton, who owns Dixie, a 2-year-old spotted saddle horse. "I think if you commit a crime, no matter how old you are, you should do the time, period. This isn't 'I wrote on the bathroom wall.' This is 'I maimed something for life.'"

Dozens of e-mails and calls have poured into the Harnett County Sheriffs Office accusing investigators of dragging their feet, but Sheriff Larry Rollins says that is not the case.

Rollins says all investigators are getting is hearsay from teenagers and that they do not have enough evidence to charge anyone with the crime.

"We are going to get there," Rollins said. "I feel confident in that, but we are not going to jump fast to make an arrest."

Investigators are now looking into allegations of intimidation. Melody Lee said her daughter heard some students bragging about what they did. She says they have since threatened her. Even though she is scared, she has still offered to help detectives.

"What they've done to this animal is wrong and she knows it's wrong," Lee said.

Meanwhile, Dixie is getting better and her veterinarian says she is no longer in danger of dying. The animal now has her appetite back and the infection in her leg is healing.

Still, the horse's life will never be the same. Dixie's tail had to be amputated and she continues to need daily care. Without a tail to swat flies, she will now have to wear a "fly sheet" all the time.

Donations to help with Dixie's veterinary bills can be made at the Web site of the Champagne Horse Breeders' & Owners' Association.

"I think she's going to have her life, be as happy as possible and probably be a little spoiled," Hamilton said.

Hamilton hopes now that those responsible will be punished for what they are accused of doing.

The reward for information leading to an arrest is now up to $1,250. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to call the Harnett County Sheriff's Office at (910) 893-9111.

Medical bills and supplies for Dixie's care are already close to $10,000. Hamilton has received about $4,000 in donations.
Source: WRAL - Sept 21, 2005
Update posted on Sep 22, 2005 - 9:41PM 
A veterinarian has had to amputate a horse's tail that was set on fire two weeks ago. Harnett County authorities believe four female juveniles used hair spray or perfume to set the animal's tail on fire while its owner, Vonda Hamilton, was out of town.

Investigators say they need a little bit more information from the public before making an arrest.

Without a tail, Hamilton said the horse, Dixie, cannot swat flies or communicate with other horses and will not be able to spend much time outdoors. The horse is also fighting an infection in its leg.

Donations and offers have poured in from across the country to help with Dixie's medical care. One woman from California even offered to send the hair from her deceased horse to Hamilton to have it transplanted to Dixie.
Source: WRAL - Sept 3, 2005
Update posted on Sep 6, 2005 - 1:43PM 
With a little more information, investigators hope to firm up the case and make arrests. The Harnett County Sheriff's Office is offering a $250 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Deputies have posted fliers with the reward amount at local schools around the stables with hopes that students with any information will come forward. Anyone with information should call (910) 893-9111 or (910) 893-7115.
Source: WRAL - Aug 26, 2005
Update posted on Aug 29, 2005 - 3:43PM 

References

« NC State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Harnett County, NC

Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.



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