Horses Shot. Reward Offered. Zoning Dispute to Blame? Winder, Ga

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the individual(s) who shot 3 horses in Winder, Ga. Co-owner Philip Twiss is in hopes that a reward will bring forth some witnesses or knowledge of the shootings. One horse was shot in the neck and one in the shoulder. The Twisses, Philip and Jacquelin, thought the first shooting was an accident. The latest horse to be shot is a prized thoroughbred shot in the leg.

Barrow County Sheriff, Jud Smith said that no evidence has been found to link the shootings to anyone. No bullets were retrieved from the small caliber gun thought to be used in the shootings.

The Twisses have had a history of being harassed on the Barrow County property that they bought. It seems that this might be brought on by zoning disputes. In 2004, when the Twiss family bought the land, they planned on moving their business to it. Their business is "Across the Way Stables". The Twiss family says that the planning commission assured them that the land would have an R-1 zoning and would accommodate their horse business.

So Philip and Jacquelin Twiss bought the acreage, cleared the land and started building. A ten stall horse barn was erected and a riding arena. It was then that they were told that they had violated permits and zoning laws. Once again, according to Philip and Jacquelin Twiss, the planning commission told them to request a re-zoning of their land. They did. In August of 2008 the planning commission voted 3-0 in favor of a change in zoning for the land held by Philip and Jacquelin Twiss. Later the planning commission board changed their minds. The case is going to court.

Meantime, Jacquelin Twiss has complained of people trying to intimidate her. She says that people take pictures of her when she is outside. There was also a noose found hanging in her barn. The Twiss couple have reported shooting and stray bullets coming into their pasture. Dead animals have been found in the driveway. They have called the Barrow County Sheriff 4x in 3 years. No charges have been filed due to lack of evidence.

Comments on articles about these horse shootings have been pro and con against the Twiss family. While no one thinks shooting horses is an answer, some have expressed their dislike of the Twiss family and their horse stable. Concerns of manure disposal and diseases were brought up. And yes, zoning issues too.

The $5,000 reward for the horse shootings may bring some needed information to light. Meanwhile, you can't help wondering where the escalation of events will end. Nor can you help from wondering who wants the Twiss land or what's really behind the harassment and the change of ruling by the planning commission on zoning.

Sources:
Barrow Journal
Online Athens