Regional
BLM Investigating Possible Shooting Deaths of Wild Horses in Northern Washoe County, Nevada
Author: BLM
Published on Dec 8, 2009 - 5:53:58 AM

December 8, 2009 - Investigators from the U. S. Bureau of Land Management are looking into the suspected shooting deaths of up to six wild horses on public land along the Nevada-California border about 45 miles northeast of Susanville, Calif.

The carcasses of six mustangs were discovered Saturday, December 5, by a helicopter pilot working on a wild horse gather operation in the BLM's Buckhorn Herd Management Area in Washoe County, Nev. BLM staff members who went to the scene said five carcasses were found in one area, and another was found about a half-mile away.

Officials said several of the animals had evidence of gunshot wounds. They estimated the animals had been dead for about two weeks.

BLM special agents are continuing to investigate. They asked anyone with information to contact the BLM in Cedarville, California, at (530) 279-6101.

Wild horses are protected by a federal law, the Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act, which prohibits anyone from harassing, capturing or killing the animals. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to a year in prison, or both.

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