State police in Mercer County say they believe all-terrain vehicle riders are responsible for the dragging death of a 10-year-old blind pony.

Owner Tory Morgan found Kahlua's mangled body Wednesday afternoon in a pasture in Shenango Township. Authorities say the animal's back legs were broken and large pieces of skin had been ripped away from its legs, chest and belly.

Police believe the animal had been roped and then dragged behind an ATV. Authorities say four other horses had cuts and scratches, possibly from running through trees to escape their attackers.

Morgan says Kahlua was a friendly animal that carried children on its back. Kahlua is a breed known as Pony of the Americas.

There is a $500 reward for information on the attack.

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

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