The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) hopes a cash reward will lead to the identification, arrest, and conviction of whoever is responsible for mutilating an Essex, Vt., mare in May.

According to an account from the Essesx Police Department, the horse’s owner found the 13-year-old Paint mare called Nellie May 16 with a "slimy substance" covering the front of her face. A subsequent veterinary examination revealed the mare had been burned and blinded by an unknown chemical substance.

On June 7 the HSUS announced that a $2,500 reward had been offered in connection with the case.

"This act of violence against this innocent horse is sickening," said Joanne Bourbeau, HSUS northeastern regional director. "Nellie will no doubt face months of recovery from her injuries, and her owner is facing thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses. We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this heinous crime