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Shot_Pony_reward

Feature Article November 15

Feature ArticleNovember 15, 2001

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Rewards for information on pony shooting in Ardenby David BrisonTwo rewards have been offered for information leading to the identification of the person(s) who shot, and then cut the head off, a pony belonging the children of Derek and Barb Matson of Arden. The dead pony was found on Friday November 9.

Richard Benn, a Long Lake dairy farmer who occasionally writes stories for The News, has organized a local group who, when we went to press, had already collected $700 and expected to be able to offer an $1000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

On Monday Barb Matson received a call from the Humane Society of Canada in Toronto which offered a $2500 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Barb Matson told The News that the family had several leads which they had reported to the Sharbot Lake OPP. Unfortunately, Howard Huggard, the OPP constable in charge of the investigation, is not due into the Sharbot Lake office until Friday. She was given some assurance that leads could be followed up by other members of the detachment.

The Matsons say that the incident has been very difficult for their children who frequently rode the pony and regarded it as a pet. Their youngest son Cody, 3, had difficulty understanding that the pony was gone forever. He thought that the pony could get fixed with a Band-Aid and be back again.

Derek, a hunter himself, has been teaching his son Chase, 6, about hunting explaining things like how you should never shoot at an animal if you arent sure the area you are shooting into is clear and also that you identify what you are shooting at clearly before you fire. Derek says Chase had trouble believing that anyone could have shot the pony. Chases reasoning is that if I as a child know not to do it, then an adult surely should have known.

The most credible explanation for cutting the head off the pony is that the hunter was jack lighting, saw only the eyes and didnt realize he was shooting a pony. He then cut the head off to destroy evidence (the gun shot wound) that might link him to the crime.

Anyone having information about the shooting of the pony can call the Sharbot Lake OPP (279-2195) or Crimestoppers (1-800-222-8477).

With the participation of the Government of Canada