'Devastated' breeder appeals for help after pregnant mare shot and killed at South Ripley

A pregnant mare has been shot in the head and left for dead in a paddock southwest of Brisbane, the breeder saying it was a “deliberate” and targeted attack as police investigate.

Palomino mare Ghost was shot and killed on October 25. Photo: supplied

A pregnant mare has been shot in the head and left for dead in a paddock southwest of Brisbane, the breeder saying it was a “deliberate” and targeted attack.

Tania Hobbs said she heard ‘gunshots’ on the night the Palomino mare ‘Ghost’ was shot and saw spotlights from a passing car.

The incident happened on October 25 at a property on Ripley Rd in the Ipswich suburb of South Ripley.

Police are investigating the unlawful killing and Ms Hobbs is now appealing for information to find out who was responsible.

“We didn’t find her till the next morning. I’d just got into bed when I heard the gunshots … It’s not unusual to hear gunshots and backfirings,” she said.

Flyers made by Ms Hobbs after Ghost was shot at South Ripley. Photo: supplied

“I did get up and look at the time, and a car drove past with their spotters on. It was strange.

“My neighbour came over the next day and said one of my horses was laying on the ground and not getting up, I knew straight away she was going to be dead.

“No doubt it was not a stray bullet, we do have video footage of the lights and you can hear a gunshot.

“She has been here for 18 months, we have no clue, we don’t have any enemies.”

Ms Hobbs said she was “devastated” over the loss of the pregnant mare, which had been given to her by the previous owners who had had it for more than 10 years.

“It’s devastating to lose such a beautiful horse and emotionally, mentally it has had a huge impact on all of us, we are on tenterhooks with cars going past at night, you’re listening and watching every car that goes past,” she said.

“She was a sweet girl, she would nuzzle my hand till I patted her.”

Ms Hobbs, who has bred quarter-horses and paints for three decades, said this had never happened before.

Detectives from Rural and Stock Crime Squad are appealing for witnesses in relation to the unlawful killing of Ghost.