Monday, January 4, 2010

MA: Arab Gelding Believed Stolen in East Freetown MA in June 2008


On May 25, 2008, Debbie LaPlante was riding her 17-year-old Arab gelding, Charlz, on a trail in the Freetown-Fall River State Forest.  Without warning, Charlz spooked, and Debbie fell off.  He fled into the woods, only two miles from his home.

On two occasions (June 2nd and 3rd, 2008), Charlz was spotted within a quarter mile of where he'd bolted, but was not able to be caught.  And again, on June 20th, almost a month after his disappearance, some kids claimed they'd seen him in the forest. 

But for the last 18 months, there have been no reported sightings of this bay gelding with a distinctive star and thin white strip on his nose.  And with each passing day, Debbie has become more worried, desperately wanting to recover her beloved equine partner and bring him home.

Charlz stands 15 hands and weighed about 800 pounds when he was last in Debbie's care.  He has a white sock on his left hind, and a faint, faded sock on his right hind.  He's been microchipped.

In February, 2009, Charlz was reported to the police as a possible stolen horse, and he was subsequently listed with the national advocacy group, Stolen Horse International.  There is a $1500 reward for Charlz's safe return.

If you have seen Charlz, or have any information about his current whereabouts, please contact Debbie LaPlante at: dlaplante@epectec.com.