Killing a horse is certainly insignificant in comparison with many of the crimes noted here. But the senseless cruelty of killing a beautiful animal as some sort of sick fun shouldn't be overlooked either. "This was an especially horrific and wanton killing," according to Sonoma County Prosecutor James Patrick Casey. Gentle Song was a thoroughbred mare that was the beloved pet of a 13-year-old girl in Sonoma County, California. The horse won three races and placed seven times in a racing career of 27 starts, earning $65,000. A couple of illegal alien ranch hands had a few drinks and thought they would have some kicks by running down animals in a field with a car and truck. The mare was struck and died of head injuries. Local animal lovers put together a $20,000 reward to find the culprits, a strategy which succeeded. Liobijildo Guzman Herrera and Noel Guido-Silva, both of Mexico, were arrested June 13. If convicted, the men could spend a year or more in prison and have to pay substantial fines. Court update: The two accused horse-killers originally pleaded no contest in September, figuring they would get a slap on the wrist. When they found out that the sentence would be three years in state prison, they decided to withdraw the no contest plea and request a jury trial, which is now set for Feb. 4, 2004.
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