The Bureau of Land Management is investigating the shooting of two wild horses on the Onaqui Mountain Herd Managament Area. The BLM is offering a reward with information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Photo credit: Bureau of Land Management.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Bureau of Land Management is looking for those responsible for shooting two wild horses earlier this month.
The BLM says the incident occurred in the Onaqui Mountain Herd Management area. It is located 60 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.
In a news release, the BLM says a reward of $22,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for shooting two wild horse stallions earlier this month.
On March 19, BLM officials responded to the scene after receiving a call from an individual who had found the horses. The deceased horses were found near Simpson Springs Mountain Road. Based on the investigation by the BLM, it was determined that the horses were shot two to three days earlier.
“Harassing, capturing or killing wild horses is illegal and punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a fine,” said BLM West Desert District Manager Mike Gates in a news release. “The BLM takes our responsibility seriously to protect these animals. And is committed to holding accountable whomever is responsible for this unconscionable act.”
Congress passed legislation in 1971 to protect, manage and control wild horses and burros on public lands.
The reward is being offered by the BLM, American Wild Horse Campaign, Onaqui Catalogue and the National Mustang Association and Red Birds Trust.
The BLM manages 19 wild horse and burro herd managements around the state on roughly 2.5 millions acres of land. The BLM says the public is always welcome to view the wild horses. However, they must do so from a distance.
If you have information on this case, you are asked to call the BLM Utah Law Enforcement Tipline at 800-722-3998.
To learn more about the management areas, click here.
Read more: BLM plans to gather wild horses west of Cedar City, and you’re invited