The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) will "pony-up" up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for striking and dragging a Shetland pony to death near Bottineau, N.D., in late September. The 84-year-old cattle producer organization's reward is in addition to a second reward fund being administered privately by the horse's owner, Dave Boppre. The Turtle Mountain Veterinary Service of Bottineau is a collection point for private donations.

"Animal stewardship is a priority for North Dakota stockmen," said NDSA President Jason Zahn, a Towner, N.D., cow-calf producer. "Ranchers are committed to helping solve this senseless crime, and we are hopeful that the reward will be a catalyst in making that happen."

People with information should contact Steve Watson at the Bottineau County Sheriff's Department at 701-228-2740 or NDSA East River Fieldman Fred Frederikson, who is assisting with the investigation, at 701-290-3993.

–ND Stockmen's Ass'n