Sheriff's Office: Tongue was not intentionally cut from horse

YELM, Wash. — UPDATE 6/27/18: The Thurston County Sheriff's Office now says that a horse's tongue found severed at a property in Yelm was not intentionally cut off the animal.

"Several veterinarians looked at the injury to her tongue and a necropsy was performed. This was a first for all of the vets and for the Sheriff's Office. After considerable deliberation and several expert opinions, this injury is determined to be an accident. Annie was not maliciously assaulted," the Sheriff's Office said.

Sgt. Carla Carter says the new findings indicate the tongue may have become lacerated from the lower front teeth and later fell from the horse's mouth.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Thurston County Animal Control and Pasado's Safe Haven are asking for the public's help after a horse was found with her tongue cut out in Yelm, Washington, on June 19.

A $2,000 reward has been offered for information leading to a suspect.

The 28-year-old horse, Annie, was found in the owner's backyard on Tuesday, and was described by her owner as "very friendly and she would go up to anyone."

Annie was euthanized last week because the animal could not eat or drink without a tongue. The tongue was found severed in a pasture.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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