Three charged in horse shooting near Sundre

Authorities have charged three people in connection with the fatal shooting of a wild horse in central Alberta last year.

The charges stem from a single incident, but came as the result of an investigation by several agencies probing the fatal shootings of several feral horses in the Sundre area since 2007.

The RCMP are expected to provide more information later, however, a news release said the charges result from three incidents in 2009.

Investigators allege that sometime between May 2009 and October 2009, a group of suspects were involved in the shooting of a wild horse. Police have charged Jason Nixon, 29, Earl Anderson, 40, and a 13-year-old youth with wilfully killing cattle and careless use of a firearm. All three suspects are from the Sundre area. The RCMP said charges are also pending against a 35-year-old Calgary man.

The three suspects are also facing additional charges under the province’s Wildlife Act in connection with an incident on Nov. 6, 2009. Police said RCMP members and Fish and Wildlife officers laid the charges after investigating a trespassing and poaching complaint in the area. Police have also charged Nixon with assault, alleging he attacked a witness to the incident.

Nixon has also been charged with uttering threats and obstruction in connection with a third incident. Police said the charges stem from an encounter between Nixon and a Fish and Wildlife officer investigating the trespassing and poaching complaint.

The RCMP is continuing its probe into shootings of other wild horses in the area. Investigators are asking anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in the area to call the Sundre RCMP detachment at 403-638-3675 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

jvanrassel@theherald.canwest.com