Hawai’i Island police are investigating the fatal shooting of a horse that took place near Akaka Falls road in Honomu last week.

On September 19, responding patrol officers observed a deceased horse with what is believed to have been a single gunshot wound to its torso.  Through the investigation, it is believed that the animal was accidentally shot by hunters after being mistaken for a feral pig.

Police have identified a suspect and have generated criminal cases for Hunting Licenses Required, Night Hunting on Private Lands Prohibited, Cruelty to Animals in the second degree, Reckless Endangering in the second degree, and Criminal Property Damage in the first degree after conferring with the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Hawai’i County Police Department‘s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.