Man arrested after witnesses ID horse found shot

Man arrested after witnesses ID horse found shot

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By Associated Press

BEND, Ore. (AP) - Authorities arrested a man accused of shooting a horse and abandoning him in the Deschutes National Forest.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that detectives arrested Russell Willeford of Banks after two witnesses identified the bay Arabian gelding that survived a bullet wound to the head.

The witnesses said the horse had been living at a youth camp until officials decided to remove him from the horses used for attendees.

The sheriff's office said camp officials asked Willeford to find the horse a new home. But the wrangler allegedly shot him instead.

The 27-year-old has been lodged at the county jail on charges of animal abuse, attempted animal abuse, animal abandonment, criminal mischief and theft.

The horse is in the care of veterinarians in Tumalo, and has acquired the name "Trooper."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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