Newborn Colt Stolen From Mother Horse In Weld County

FORT LUPTON, CO — Deputies are searching for a newborn colt after he was stolen from a farm this week in Weld County, authorities said.

The 4-day-old colt, "Gypsy," was reported missing Wednesday morning and his mother has appeared very sad since her baby was taken away, their owners said.

"We are devastated," owner Caiti Hladky said in a post on social media. "There are baby hoof prints right outside the gate and someone’s footprint that is twice as big as mine. Tracks that look like [they] backed close to the gate and pulled out. He did not get out or get attacked by a predator. He was taken."

Gypsy was stolen sometime between 10:45 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. Wednesday from a farm in the 13600 block of Weld County Road 18 1/2, deputies said.

"We are asking the public to keep their eyes open for this days old horse," the Weld County Sheriff's Office said in a social media post. "Note the pattern of its coat, which is unique to each animal. Take particular note of the unique pattern of the coat near the colt's hind legs.

"Although it's possible a colt this young could survive from bottle feeding, it's more likely it's been paired with a nurse mare."

The newborn colt is valued at an estimated $12,000, the sheriff's office said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Weld County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Cantin at 970-400-4182.