PETA offers reward to find Sammie: Organization lends help for missing Shelby horse

Tuesday, Jul 20 2010, 8:02 am by Misty Jacobs

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals is taking Sammie’s disappearance just as seriously as the family that awaits his return or any news that may lead them to the whereabouts of the 37-year-old Welsh pony.

Since the Miller family’s pony disappeared from their farm last Wednesday, Marianne has, for the fourth time, combed her property with Sammie’s best friends, Skipper and Brody, the family dogs, in tow.

“I was hoping this time, I would at least smell him” Marianne said, exhausted from her fruitless search for the horse that went missing nearly one week ago.

The Shelby Star was first contacted by Debi Metcalf, of NetPosse.com, regarding Sammie’s disappearance.

“I believe Sammie has become lost and unable to find his way home” Debi said.

But there are other concerns, she said.

“There is a recession, and horses have been taken for money and sold at horse sales” “If this is what happened to Sammie, it is not a good ending for him.”

PETA’s Efforts

PETA joined in the search for Sammie after learning of his disappearance through shelbystar.com. The organization is offering a $1,000 reward for information regarding Sammie’s disappearance and or whereabouts.

PETA’s search began at the location where Sammie was last spotted, near Riviera Road, early Thursday morning. Their search covered a large part of Riveria Road, Zion Church Road and ended after a sweep of the Miller’s property.

When contacted by The Star, PETA said they became involved based on Sammie’s age and the fact that he requires assistance to eat.

“Thirty-seven years old is ancient for a pony”, Kristen Dejournette, an employee of PETA said. “He is definitely of the geriatric set.”

A neighbor recalled seeing Sammie near the church on Riviera Road during the early morning hours Thursday. “There has been no additional information since then” Marianne Miller said.

Help needed

If you have information regarding Sammie, please contact Marianne Miller at 704-284-0037, Debi Metcalfe at NetPosse.com or Kristen Dejournette at 901-405-4371 with PETA, Memphis Chapter.

Resource: The Shelby Star News, http://www.shelbystar.com/articles/sammie-48297-peta-lends.html