Molokai police are investigating the shootings of three horses and a cow on a 1,200-acre farm in Kalae, Molokai.
Three of the shootings were discovered Feb. 8 and reported to police two days later, said Maui police spokesman Lt. Wayne Ibarra.
He said initially, a palomino mare valued at $25,000, a palomino stallion valued at $40,000 and a bovine valued at $2,000 were found shot. The mare and bovine died, and the stallion had to be put down because of injuries, Ibarra said.
While police were investigating the shootings, another horse - a sorrell mare - was found to also have been injured, Ibarra said. He said that animal was still alive and being monitored.
The shootings this month followed one that occurred on the same property Dec. 21 when a buckskin mare valued at $25,000 died after being shot, Ibarra said.
He said the horses are registered with the American Quarter Horse Association.
Police have opened a criminal property damage investigation.
Anyone who has information on or who may have witnessed the shootings is asked to call Molokai police at (808) 553-5355 or Maui Crime Stoppers at 242-6966.
Neighbor Island residents can call Crime Stoppers toll free at (888) 242-6966. Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and are given a code number.
Maui Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of people responsible for felony crimes.
Inga Gibson, Hawaii state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said she is contacting Molokai police to see if it would be helpful for the organization also to offer a reward.
"This is, sadly, exactly why we have this reward program for these potential cruelty to animals cases," Gibson said.
