Cops: Hunter said he shot at buck but killed horse

AIKEN, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say they have charged an Aiken County hunter with animal cruelty after he shot at what he said was a buck and killed a horse instead.

Investigators told the Aiken Standard (http://bit.ly/vQuqwq ) that the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding had to be euthanized after it was wounded around 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

Deputies say they were able to find a hunter in a nearby tree stand who said he was shooting at a buck when the bullet hit the horse.

Authorities say Samuel Stewart is charged with animal cruelty. He didn’t return a message.

Ballistics tests are being conducted to see if Stewart’s gun matches the bullet that killed the horse. Deputies say their investigation is continuing.

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Information from: Aiken Standard, http://www.aikenstandard.com