BETHALTO, IL (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—
"Whiskers" was the show horse that disappeared near Bethalto, Illinois on February 6th from the friendly confines of Mary Morrison-Price's farm on State Route 140. "I figure it's got to be somebody who probably knows this horse," said Mary, Whiskers' owner. The steed's owner has learned of an organization specializing in horse thefts and is willing to assist in Whiskers' pursuit. The organization, "Stolen Horses International," had Amber Alerts for horses three years before they had them for humans.The group is headed by Debi Metcalfe in Shelby, North Carolina. She and Mary agree the thief probably took the horse because there was an unsuspecting buyer.
Debi Metcalfe of Stolen Horses International explains, "If somebody wants a particular kind of horse, particular color and they don't have it, they can go get it. I mean, it's like a smorgasbord out there."
Mary has supplied Debi and local authorities with a short list of suspects and says the thief must have known her comings and goings. Also, the house on the grounds across from Mary's home was unoccupied and authorities believe the thief knew this to make an unseen getaway.
Debi is convinced this was a theft to make a high-priced sale and says the horse is valuable even without the necessary paperwork. In the meantime, Debi has given Mary tips on how to approach the crime locally.
Mary said, "My radar's up. I'm watching every move. I watch every person. I take pictures of every license plate that comes in and out. I ask a lot of questions."
