Deputies: Horse found slaughtered in Manatee County

PALMETTO (FOX 13) - An expensive show horse was slaughtered over the weekend in Manatee County, deputies said.

The owner of the horse found the animal dead Sunday morning in Palmetto. Deputies said it had been taken out of its stall before being killed.

According to investigators, large pieces of meat were taken from the horse's body.

The horse's owner had been sleeping in a home on the property at the time.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.