Investigators are asking for help in a larceny case which involves a 12-year-old Palomino quarterhorse, a family pet, valued at $1,200.

According to reports from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the horse was taken from a residence off of Pine Ridge Road in Clinton, some time between Saturday evening, Nov. 7 and Sunday morning, Nov. 8.

Ronald Taylor, owner of the horse, said Tuesday that the crime is an unusual one.

“I am surprised but I am not surprised,” he said. “Because people will steal just about anything these days. But it is not everyday where someone pulls up a trailer and steals a horse.”

From the initial investigation, it looks to be a case of thieves boldly going on property, backing a trailer up and taking the horse.

“The owner noticed the horse gone about one in the afternoon,” said Capt. Eric Pope. “A gate was undone and there were tracks leading down a dirt path and then gone.”

“There is an electric fence wire that was pulled up over the gate,” Taylor said. “From what it looks like they just pulled up a trailer and loaded the horse in it. It looks like they tried to get my other one too, but it wouldn’t go in the trailer.”

Taylor said that noticed the horse gone at 1 p.m.

“I walked out and saw the (electric) fence up and the gate unhooked — the wind could have blown it open,” he said. “We saw all the tracks and I called law enforcement.”

The family is offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of the 12-year-old Palomino quarterhorse gelding — the mane was recently trimmed.

If you have any information call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 59-4141 or Taylor at 910-271-0936.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.