A man posing as law enforcement seized a Quarter Horse in Yelm, Washington during the evening hours of Friday, Mar. 15.
According to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, this is an active theft case. The four-year-old buckskin mare, named "Hellfire," was taken by three people: a man impersonating a police officer and two women with a horse trailer.
The persons intimidated the lady who boarded Hellfire and then left the property with the mare. Other horses on the property were not involved and remain on the property.
No search warrant was presented to the owner. Search warrants are a requirement under Washington State law for search and seizure procedures. In this particular case, an animal cruelty report and a letter requesting information about the owner of the horse were the only forms of documentation.
The stolen Quarter Horse is a buckskin with four black socks, a black dorsal stripe, and a white star on her forehead. Her owner, Mandy, is actively working with law enforcement for the return of her missing horse. Posters with photos of the Quarter Horse have been delivered to livestock auctions, feed stores, and other places where horses may be advertised for sale or trade.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office stated that all law enforcement officers are required to show identification when on your private property for any reason, and that you may call Sheriff dispatch at (360) 704 - 2740 to verify that a deputy was dispatched to your property.
Law enforcement officers are authorized to investigate complaints of animal cruelty, but are required to present a warrant, signed by a judge, prior to removing any animals from your property.
If you have any information regarding the location of Hellfire or can assist with this case, please contact the Thurston County Sheriff dispatch at (360) 704 - 2740.
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