A case of two runaway horses in Wayne — which sparked a multiday horse hunt that ended with the death of both horses — is drawing criticism from some residents of the west suburban village over how many aspects of the search were handled.

The situation illustrates how even with the best of intentions, horse owners’ efforts to rescue unwanted horses facing uncertain futures can go awry, with tragic consequences.

It also marks the latest high-profile shooting death of an animal in the equestrian-oriented village of 2,300 residents, which straddles the DuPage County-Kane County line.

The saga began in mid-August, when a Wayne resident, whose family runs an equestrian facility in St. Charles, purchased two rescue horses from Southern Wisconsin Second Chance Lot, an organization that offer

See Full Page