Dragging Death of Pet Pony Under Investigation

BOTTINEAU, N.D. — Authorities in Bottineau County are investigating the apparent dragging death of a Shetland pony taken from a hobby farm, and reward funds for information are in the works.

Owner Dave Boppre said on Sept. 24, someone in a pickup chased the pet horse from a field, tired it out, struck it with the truck, then tied it to the back of the truck and dragged it along the road.

The mistreatment of the animal was horrific, Boppre added.  “The hair, hide and meat was totally dragged off up to the cheek bone,” he said. “You could actually stick your hand past the cheekbone and into the mouth ... There was nothing there at all.”

Boppre is accepting donations for a reward fund and has gathered about $250 so far. The state Stockmen’s Association also is preparing a reward fund, according to Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson.

A law passed by the Legislature earlier this year makes an act of animal cruelty a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

More on this story in the Bismarck Tribune...