Manitoba

Investigations close without charges in discovery of 6 mutilated animals near Brandon

Two investigations into the discovery of dead, mutilated animals near Brandon earlier this year have been closed without any charges being laid.

The province's chief veterinary office and RCMP investigated the discoveries in March

A goat and miniature pony were found dead and mutilated within days of each other just outside of Brandon, Man., in March. Three coyotes and and a raccoon with their ear cut off were also discovered. (Shutterstock)

Two investigations into the discovery of dead, mutilated animals near Brandon earlier this year have been closed without any charges being laid.

RCMP and Manitoba's chief veterinary office launched investigations in March after a dead pony and goat, as well as three coyotes and a raccoon were found days apart in ditches in the Rural Municipality of Whitewater, about 15 kilometres south of Brandon.

The goat had its hind legs bound and all six animals had their ears removed. 

In a statement, the office of the chief veterinarian said investigators have no proof of ownership of the animals and no new information related to the case so the file has been closed. 

At the time, the RCMP checked with property owners in the area and found none to be missing any animals. RCMP also said then that Criminal Code charges related to unnecessary suffering of an animal as well as endangering or injuring an animal were possible. 

The RCMP said this week their investigation has also been closed for now, but a spokesperson said it will be reopened if new information surfaces in the future. 

Anyone with new, first-hand eyewitness information in the case is asked to call the province's chief veterinary office or the RCMP.