EL RENO, OK (KOCO/CNN) - A retired racehorse called Casper had to be euthanized after being struck by a stray bullet on an Oklahoma farm.
Deborah Gray and her husband rescued the 23-year-old thoroughbred horse three years ago and he joined them at their equine sanctuary.
But the horse suffered severe injuries from bullets fired from more than a quarter-mile away.
"The bullet entered and hit his spleen, his belly and hit his intestines," Gray said. "His abdomen was full of blood and there was going to be no saving him."
Several horses were outside while Gray was inside the barn cleaning the stalls when she heard multiple gunshots, bullets zinging by and one hitting the barn she was in.
The Canadian County Sheriff said the owner of a home admitted to firing a high-powered rifle.
"They told him you can't shoot in the direction of houses," Gray said.
Now, they're left with a vet bill, an empty stall and a tough explanation for her their 7-year0old granddaughter.
"I have to tell her he's gone because of somebody," Gray said. "A senseless act."
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