Rewards offered in Wild Burro killings

Horse Welfare News

August 23, 2019

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting deaths of more than 40 federally protected wild burros in the Clark Mountain Herd Area in California. In addition, the American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC), Return to Freedom  (RTF) and the Cloud Foundation organizations joined the BLM with plans to offer rewards of $2,500, $5,000 and $1,000 respectively, representing at total of $18,500 in rewards. 

Since May  a total of 42 wild burro carcasses with gunshot wounds have been found along the Interstate 15 corridor between Halloran Springs, California, and Primm, Nevada, in various states of decomposition, said William Perry Pendley, the BLM’s Deputy Director for Policy and Programs.  BLM law enforcement is leading the investigation into the illegal killings, in coordination with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, he said. 

“We want to thank our law enforcement for their assistance and support of this investigation and we are grateful for the willingness of the American Wild Horse Campaign, Return to Freedom and The Cloud Foundation to step up and offer their own rewards to help solve this heinous crime,” he said. 

AWHC Executive Director Suzanne Roy called for justice on the animals' behalf. “We hope that an increase in the reward will lead to arrest and conviction for these cruel acts,” she said. 

Meanwhile,  RTF President Neda DeMayo said the killings “strike at the heart of everyone working so hard for their protection and for humane, non-lethal solutions to management concerns.” 

Finally, Ginger Kathrens, Director of The Cloud Foundation praised the BLM for ordering the investigation of the incidents. 

 "We’re very glad the BLM is taking this sick crime seriously,” she said.  

Under the Free Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 wild horses and burros are federally protected from  from capture, branding, harassment, or death.    Anyone convicted of  violating the Act could be subject to penalties including fines up to $2,000,  one year's imprisonment or both for each count charged.    

Anyone with information about this investigation should  call the WeTip hotline at 800-78CRIME (800-782-7463) or visit  http://www.wetip.com. Callers may remain anonymous  

More information on the rewards offered by American Wild Horse Campaign, Return to Freedom and The Cloud Foundation can be found on those  organizations’ websites.  

Originally posted by Horse Welfare News