NetPosse Alert Leads to Break in California Stolen Horses Case

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (SHI/NETPOSSE) — Stolen Horse International, also known as NetPosse, says a key lead has emerged in the case of two stolen horses in California after its nationwide alert system prompted a member of the public to come forward.

The horses, Maverick and Ranger, were reported stolen from a large property along Airline Highway in San Benito County after investigators determined that a section of fencing had been cut and the animals were taken. [ksbw.com]

Shortly after the theft was reported, a NetPosse Alert was issued, sharing identifying details about the horses across a wide network of horse owners, buyers and the general public. NetPosse officials say that alert played a critical role in generating new information.

According to Stolen Horse International, a man who was approached by an individual attempting to sell a registered horse became suspicious of the situation. After leaving the encounter, the potential buyer searched online and found the NetPosse report for the stolen horses. [ksbw.com]

That information matched what the man had seen, prompting him to contact the horse’s owner, who then relayed the tip to investigators.

“This is exactly why the NetPosse Alert system exists,” the organization said. “When people are informed quickly and widely, they can recognize the signs of a stolen horse and act before it’s too late.”

Authorities have said the suspect attempted to sell one of the horses along Interstate 5 in California’s Central Valley.   Investigators are now asking anyone who may have been contacted by someone trying to sell these horses to contact the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. [ksbw.com]

Stolen Horse International emphasized that quick action from the public can make the difference in recovering stolen horses and preventing them from being moved or sold.

“Horse theft cases often depend on community awareness,” NetPosse said. “The faster a horse is identified and reported, the better the chances of recovery.”

Maverick and Ranger were taken together, and both are considered well-known, registered horses with distinct identifying features, making public awareness especially critical. [netposse.com]

NetPosse officials continue to urge equestrians, buyers and transporters to verify ownership of any horse being sold, particularly under unusual or rushed circumstances.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities follow up on the lead generated through the NetPosse Alert.