An arrest has been made in relation to an incident of alleged animal cruelty near Kaitangata in which a horse had to be put down after it was reputedly run down by a ute.
In a statement, Sergeant Robin Hutton said police had arrested a 17-year-old Kaitangata youth in relation to the injury and subsequent death of a wild horse in the forest near Kaitangata.
The incident involved a wild or feral horse which was allegedly run into by a utility vehicle near a forestry block causing injury to one of the animal's back legs.
The horse had to be later put down due to the severity of the injury.
Sgt Hutton said the youth was due to appear in the Dunedin District Court on Friday.
He faced charges relating to cruelty to an animal and unlawful hunting.
It is believed there is a herd of 15 to 20 horses and several other smaller groups living a typically peaceful existence in the forestry blocks near Kaitangata.
Sgt Hutton said the same youth had also been dealt with in relation to drink-driving and an incident relating to a fire in toetoe bushes in the town.
He was due appear in the Dunedin District Court on April 7 in relation to the charges of intentionally setting fire to vegetation and driving with excess breath-alcohol.
