Oregon Deputies Shoot Family's Miniature Pony, Leave Body in Neighbor's Yard and Lie

Aren't pets chipped there? It is obligatory here.

Just for the record, a miniature horse, and a pony, are not the same thing. (just a repeated mix up in all this)
If this was a miniature horse, they are about the size of a border collie - not too big to pick up and carry to the vet. (unlike other livestock, which would have to be put down in place because of their size).

But I don't even know what this animal was, the story is so confusing.......