FILLMORE — The Bureau of Land Management is investigating the killing of a wild horse on public lands west of Delta.
After responding to a call from a local resident about a dead horse, program specialists from the BLM Utah Fillmore Field Office found a wild horse in the Swasey Herd Management Area that had been shot and killed with a small-caliber gun, according to a press release issued by the BLM Monday.
“Harassing, capturing or killing wild horses is illegal,” Kevin Oliver, West Desert district manager, said, as quoted in the press release. “The 1971 Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act protects these animals, and the BLM is committed to enforcing the act and finding those responsible.”
Several leads are being pursued by investigators, but the BLM invites additional information from the public.
The National Mustang Association, a wild horse advocacy group based in Cedar City, is offering a $2,000 reward, in conjunction with the BLM, for information leading to the identification and conviction of those responsible for the horse’s death.
The horse that was killed was a 14-year-old palomino stud, the press release said. The animal was found dead near Middle Pond in the Swasey Herd Management Area.
Anyone with information relating to this case is asked to call BLM Law Enforcement at 801-539-4082.
Violations of the 1971 Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act are punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, a year in prison, or both, according to the press release.
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this can’t be that hard to figure out, either competition for grazing, maybe someone with domestic horses doesn’t want the wild horses around and last but most likely, local hicks and guns. This can’t be that hard to figure out. You can bet the locals will know whats going on.
It is very inexpensive to install a couple trail cams near roads where wild horses can be viewed or seen.
You haven’t been between Delta and Garrsion, Utah lately, have you. Swasey Wash is about a third of the way between the two towns and very, very desolate. I would agree the probability of the shooter is more than likely a disgruntled rancher who is facing another drought, or a teenager looking for something to shoot at. Not a whole lot of animal life to be seen while driving US 6/50 so when you see something alive, well you know the game. The cam would only work if you could see the perp commit the act so it likely wouldn’t be very effective. Still, it’s sad to think of irresponsible people acting irresponsible.
for someone who enjoys smacking babies I’m surprised you even care…
you would be surprised, its like the more desolate a place is, the more, the neighbors will know what your up to. Be it even if the neighbors are relatives or not. and when a 2k reward is offered, this can be very tempting, because normally desolate places are linked with low income or poverty.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the perps best friend turn him or her in, and they will split the money after he or she is out of jail.
sounds like young Bubba Jr’s daddy bought a new .22 for him. Boy has to to shoot somethin’, right? Just some young kids havin’ some harmless fun
Good thing it wasn’t a wild chicken. it wouldn’t of been that much of a reward
on another note, i’ve visited some folks up in those parts and I’ll say them’s some of the most backwards hillbillies you might ever encounter. They’d trade they own momma in on a shiny new rifle I’d say…