January 1, 2009                                                             

RUN-AWAY PONY CAUSES  NEW YEARS DAY PROBLEMS ON THE INTERSTATE
 

  The McCracken County Sheriff's Department responded early this morning to the report of a pony running loose in the Lane road, Spann Lane area of the Farley community.  Several 911 calls  were received from motorist about the animal causing roadway problems and getting into traffic in the 2500 block of Husbands road. The Sheriff's department along with McCracken County Animal Control officers responded. Animal control officer Jake Stafford made contact with the owner Angela Landers of Paducah who had been keeping the pony on Lane road, Ms. Landers made her way to the area and assisted.   Mr. Stafford said the animal had originally been reported loose the night before 12/31/2008 as well. After several unsuccessful attempts to catch the animal,  the pony was able to get away from officers who lost site of him for a short period of time.  At approximately 11:17 am 911 began receiving numerous additional calls that the animal had made its way approximately 2 miles to the Interstate. Callers were reporting numerous near-miss accidents as the animal was crossing back and forth all four lanes of traffic.  The animal was located near the 11 mile marker on Interstate 24 by the officers and the owner. Several additional attempts  were made to catch the animal were also unsuccessful.  The animal was acting wildly due to the amount of holiday traffic and being followed by persons involved.  Drivers along with officers were having a hard time keeping traffic flowing smoothly to avoid accidents.   After following the animal on the Interstate for approximately a mile the decision was made to put the animal down for the protection of motorist.   The animal was to be removed by the owner after contacting the State Hwy. department.  The entire incident lasted about 4 hours.  The Sheriff's department regrets any-time an animal has to be put down but has a responsibility to protect motorists from danger when possible.  Statistics have shown  that collisions with animals or other vehicles at interstate speeds can be fatal to drivers and passengers,  They can also lead to even bigger traffic problems.   The Sheriff's departments goal is that everyone arrive home safe.