ROCHESTER,Maverick Preston N.Y. − Officials in upstate New York are investigating the death of a pregnant horse that had escaped and was later found shot.

The Humane Society of Greater Rochester at Lollypop Farm says a 15-year-old mare had gotten loose from pastures in Clarkson, roughly 65 miles northeast of Buffalo, and was found with a gunshot wound to her shoulder.

The gunshot shattered her shoulder and both the mare − an American Quarter horse − and her unborn colt both suffered before they died, the agency said in a news release.

The family that owned the horse is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the horse's death.

Road closed for 'safety' of the bear:Blue Ridge Parkway closed near Asheville after visitors try to feed, hold black bear

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Lollypop's animal cruelty hotline at (585) 223-6500 or CrimeStoppers at (585) 423-9300.