Horse dies, 2nd horse stays at its side after escaping during Ontario barn break-in

Police say a six-month-old horse died of a possible heart attack after escaping during a break-in at a barn in Sunderland, Ont., while a second horse remained by the side of the dying foal throughout the night.

Durham Regional Police Sgt. Bill Calder said an unknown suspect or suspects broke into the barn on the rural property between 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday, on Concession Road 5 just west of Highway 7 in Brock Township.

Calder said the suspect then broke through a wired gate, a padlock and a locked door before entering the barn and allowing the horses to escape.

READ MORE: Ontario horse sanctuary accused of animal neglect

“It’s unfortunate how that fell apart like that. Obviously they weren’t probably intending to let the horse out but it’s kind of a casualty of the crime,” he said.

“At this point we don’t even think there was anything in the barn worth stealing.”

Calder said police are not yet sure how the horse died, but added that the horse collapsed and died suddenly.

“If they get spooked bad enough they’re prone to actually having heart attacks and that type of thing,” he said, adding the second horse remained by its side.

“It stayed in the same vicinity of the one that collapsed and died on the spot there.”

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Calder said the owners of the horse were distraught after finding their dead horse collapsed in heavy brush on their property.

“For them to go out and find their young horse there deceased and the other one there right by it is very upsetting for them,” he said, adding the horse may have succumbed to exposure from the elements.

“It is terrible.”

READ MORE: Owner fights to get horse back from Ontario sanctuary accused of neglect

The horse’s death comes after a spike in break-ins at out-buildings on rural properties — where tools and machinery are being targeted in thefts.

Investigators are appealing to the public for information in the case and are warning residents to report suspicious activity and share video surveillance with police.

Calder said unfortunately there was no video surveillance in this case but police are hoping someone will come forward.

Anyone with new information is asked to contact Det-Const. McMaster of the North Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2675 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.