DA: Evidence lacking, so no charges in blind pony�s death

By Matt Snyder
Herald Staff Writer

SHENANGO TOWNSHIP September 04, 2008 07:04 pm

— After four months of investigation involving multiple witnesses, more than 20 leads, and examinations by top veterinarians, the district attorney�s office said there is not enough evidence to prosecute anyone for the April 30 death of a blind pony in Shenango Township.
The death of the pony, Kahlua, was ruled unnatural because of numerous cuts, scrapes, missing skin, and tire tracks near his body in his pasture at state Route 318 and Bethel-Wilmington Road, state police said.
One or more all-terrain vehicles possibly knocked over or dragged the 10-year-old pony on a rope, police said.
The Mercer County Humane Society paid to have the pony�s body exhumed and investigated � alongside crime scene photographs � by a leading school of veterinary medicine, said a release from Mercer County District Attorney Robert G. Kochems.
The humane society also gave information to the DA�s office so authorities could consult three veterinarians, two of them with national status, Kochems said.
�In spite of the expenditure of considerable effort and expense by the Mercer County Humane Society, the Pennsylvania State Police and assisting local police agencies, the Mercer County District Attorney�s Office has determined there is insufficient evidence at this time to prosecute any person for the death of the horse named Kahlua,� Kochems said.
Police will keep the case open and anyone with information may call 724-662-6162. The Humane Society still offers an $8,000 reward for any information leading to successful prosecution of anyone involved in the crime.