Dead Dog & Horse Now Being Investigated as Animal Cruelty
CABARRUS CO., N.C. – Melanie Davis Thrift wants answers about the dead animals she found along Sisk-Carter Road in Cabarrus County Sunday morning. She took these pictures and posted them on social media. She says, “Somebody’s gonna recognize these animals.” So far, the gruesome images have been shared more than two thousand times.
She says, “I can’t seem to get those images out of my mind because the way they were killed.”
Thrift says the pit bull and miniature horse had their throats slit. She says, “Those animals didn’t die fast.”
A DOT crew removed the animals. Thrift filed a report with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office. They tell WCCB they are investigating the deaths as animal cruelty, but couldn’t yet confirm the animals’ throats had been slit. Lt. David Taylor told WCCB, “It’s definitely unique. It’s really odd. For it to be a pony and a dog. It’s really odd.”
There is still the smell of blood in the air at the scene on the side of the road: that musky, iron smell. There’s still a blood stain on the ground. There’s still a plastic bag that Thrift says was wrapped around the mini horse’s head. And there are tire tracks, headed toward Rowan County.
Thrift says, “These were a lot fresher (on) Sunday. You could actually read the tracks to where it looked like they just sped off. Dumped ’em and sped off.”
Thrift showed WCCB News @ Ten anchor Morgan Fogarty the more graphic pictures that she shared with investigators, but didn’t post online. As they talked, a Sheriff’s Deputy drove by. He’d been knocking on neighbors doors, looking for clues.
Thrift says, “I can’t imagine anyone that loves their animals, especially the way I love my animals, and my dogs, that could cut a dog’s throat, that way and just watch them…” Fogarty said, “It’s sick.” Thrift replied, “It’s sick. Yeah, Absolutely.”
The horse and dog were both males, both well fed. Thrift said neither had any scars or markings. The dog didn’t have a collar. The horse was wearing a halter and his hooves had been trimmed. If you have any information that can help, call the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office at 704-920-3000.
