The Humane Society of the United States offered a $2,500 reward on Thursday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the recent mutilation of girl’s pet pony.

The palomino pony was found dead and mutilated in a Long Prairie pasture last weekend. Law enforcement authorities initially thought it was mistaken for a deer and shot, then mutilated when the hunter searched for the bullet.

However, a veterinarian later exhumed and examined the pony and disputed the theory. “It clearly wasn’t a hunting accident,” said Charles Moberg, DVM, on Wednesday. “There was no evidence of trauma caused by a bullet.”

Now investigators are back at square one.

Tebben said investigators are looking for a small white pickup that was seen in the area Saturday morning. They also plan to contact other agencies to determine if there have been similar cases.

Anyone with information about the crime was asked to call Todd County Chief Deputy Bryan Tebben at 320/732-2157 or 800/794-5733.

For more on this story see www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10779.