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N.D. (AP) – An investigation into the September death of a miniature pony near Bottineau concluded it was an accident.

The Bottineau County Sheriff’s Department and North Dakota Stockmen’s Association’s investigated what appeared to be an intentional dragging death.

But the Minot Daily News reports that as a result of the probe, charges won’t be filed against the three young people who said they hit the horse that night. 

The trio told investigators they didn’t report it because they didn’t want to get in trouble. They said they didn’t know how the horse ended up five miles from where it was hit.

Owner Dave Boppre tells KFGO news that he isn’t buying the finding that it was an accident. He believes the Shetland pony named Bad Boy was chased down, run over and then dragged to death with a pickup.