Horse dragged to death behind trailer in Catlett Saturday

VIRGINIA -- In a gruesome accident, a horse was dragged along the road and killed when it fell from an improperly locked trailer this past weekend.

 On Saturday, Sept. 26, citizens reported a dead horse on the side of the road around 1 p.m. near Elk Run Road and Sowego Road in Catlett.

 Fauquier County Sheriff's Office Animal Control units responded and investigated the report.

 A worker was transporting horses from a farm in Prince William County to an event when the horse fell out of the trailer because the gate wasn't properly locked, according to the Sheriff's Office.

 The horse was dragged behind the trailer for some distance before the driver realized the gate was open. When the driver pulled over to shut and latch the door, they discovered what happened.

 The employee then moved the horse remains to the roadside and continued on to the event. Once at the event the horse owner was notified and responded to the scene. Meanwhile passersby observed the carnage and reported the accident, according to the Sheriff's Office.

 The matter was investigated but no criminal charges have been filed, according to the Sheriff's Office.

(Fauquier Times - Sept 29, 2015)