$10,000 Reward Offered for Arrest of Wild Burro Killers

In a tragic turn of events, the wild burros of California's Mojave Desert have become targets of a heinous crime. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for these cruel acts. Over the past three months, 42 burro carcasses with gunshot wounds have been discovered along a 60-mile stretch of Interstate 15, the main highway connecting Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

These animals, like wild horses, are protected under federal law. Anyone found guilty of harassing, branding, or killing one faces a fine of up to $2,000 and a year in jail. Burros are more than just animals; they are a symbol of the American Southwest, known for their resilience and historical significance as pack animals.

William Perry Pendley, BLM's deputy director for policy and programs, stated, "Wild horses and burros are an iconic part of the American West and part of our national heritage. We will pursue every lead until we've arrested and prosecuted those responsible for these cruel, savage deaths, and we welcome the public's help to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice."

The burros' ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the Mojave Desert, where they feed on various plant vegetation and can endure long periods without water, has been crucial to their survival. However, human encroachment and now these shootings pose significant threats to their existence.

In addition to the BLM's reward, other organizations have offered rewards: $2,500 from the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), $5,000 from Return to Freedom, and $1,000 from The Cloud Foundation. Suzanne Roy, executive director of the American Wild Horse Conservation, emphasized, "The persons who shot these innocent and beloved burros deserve to be brought to justice. We hope that an increase in the reward will lead to arrest and conviction for these cruel acts."

Anyone with information about the killings is urged to contact the federal WeTip hotline at 800-782-7463 or visit http://www.wetip.com.

Originally posted by KGET.